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THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 















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"‘The truth may just as well be told,” she interrupted 

Frontispiece. See page 189. 



THE KINGDOM OF 
THE BLIND 


By E. PHILLIPS QPPENHEIM 


Author of 

“Mr. Grex of Monte Carlo,” “The Double Traitor,” Etc. 



With Frontispiece 
By F. VAUX WILSON 

A. L. BURT COMPANY 
Publishers New York 

Published by Arrangement with Little, Brown and Company 

n ' f - - = 







Copyright, iqib* 

By Little, Brown, and Company. 


All rights reserved 


Published, October, 1916 
Reprinted, October, 1916 (three timei) 
November, 1916; December, 1916 (twice) 
J anuary, 1917 ; February, 1917 
March, 1917; April, 1917 
October, 1917 

\ % 6 % % 
a -x, 

Emplacement 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


















THE KINGDOM OF THE 
BLIND 


CHAPTER I 

Lady Anselman stood in the centre of the lounge 
at the Ritz Hotel and with a delicately-poised fore- 
finger counted her guests. There was the great 
French actress who had every charm but youth, chat- 
ting vivaciously with a tall, pale-faced man whose 
French seemed to be as perfect as his attitude was 
correct. The popular wife of a great actor was dis- 
cussing her husband’s latest play with a Cabinet 
Minister who had the air of a school-boy present at 
an illicit feast. A very beautiful young woman, tall 
and fair, with grey-blue eyes and a wealth of golden, 
almost yellow hair, was talking to a famous musi- 
cian. A little further in the background, a young 
man in the uniform of a naval lieutenant was ex- 
changing what seemed to be rather impressive chaff 
with a petite but exceedingly good-looking girl. 
Lady Anselman counted them twice, glanced at the 
clock and frowned. 

“I can’t remember whom we are waiting for!” 
she exclaimed a little helplessly to the remaining 
guest, a somewhat tired-looking publisher who stood 
by her side. u I am one short. I dare say it will 


2 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

come to me in a minute. You know every one, I 
suppose, Mr. Daniell? ” 

The publisher shook his head. 

44 I have met Lord Hornsey and also Madame 
Selame,” he observed. “For the rest, I was just 
thinking what a stranger I felt.” 

44 The man who talks French so well,” Lady An- 
f selman told him, dropping her voice a little, 44 is 
Surgeon-Major Thomson. He is inspector of hos- 
pitals at the front, or something of the sort. The 
tall, fair girl — isn’t she pretty! — is Geraldine 
Conyers, daughter of Admiral Sir Seymour Conyers. 
That’s her brother, the sailor over there, talking to 
Olive Moreton; their engagement was announced 
last week. Lady Patrick of course you know, and 
Signor Sicobel, and Adelaide Cunningham — you do 
know her, don’t you, Mr. Daniell? She is my dear- 
est friend. How many do you make that?” 

The publisher counted them carefully. 

44 Eleven including ourselves,” he announced. 

44 And we should be twelve,” Lady Anselman 
sighed. 44 Of course ! ” she added, her face suddenly 
brightening. 44 What an idiot I am ! It’s Ronnie 
we are waiting for. One can’t be cross with him, 
poor fellow. He can only just get about.” 

The fair girl, who had overheard, leaned across. 
The shade of newly awakened interest in her face, 
and the curve of her lips as she spoke, added to her 
charm. A gleam of sunlight flashed upon the yellow- 
gold of her plainly coiled hair. 

44 Is it your nephew, Captain Ronald Granet, who 
is coming? ” she asked a little eagerly. 


3 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

Lady Anselman nodded. 

“ He only came home last Tuesday with dis- 
patches from the front,” she said. “ This is his 
first day out.” ' 

“Ah! but he is wounded, perhaps?” Madame 
Selarne inquired solicitously. 

44 In the left arm and the right leg,” Lady Ansel- 
man assented. 44 1 believe that he has seen some ter- 
rible fighting, and we are very proud of his D. S. O. 
The only trouble is that he is like all the others — 
he will tell us nothing.” 

44 He shows excellent judgment,” Lord Hornsey 
observed. 

Lady Anselman glanced at her august guest a 
little querulously. 

44 That is the principle you go on, nowadays, isn’t 
it? ” she remarked. 44 1 am not sure that you are 
wise. When one is told nothing, one fears the 
worst, and when time after time the news of these 
small disasters reaches us piecemeal, about three 
weeks late, we never get rid of our forebodings, 
even when you tell us about victories. . . . Ah! 
Here he comes at last,” she added, holding out both 
her handfe to the young man who was making his 
somewhat difficult way towards them. 44 Ronnie, you 
are a few minutes late but we’re not in the least 
cross with you. Do you know that you are looking 
better already? Come and tell me whom you don’t 
know of my guests and I’ll introduce you.” 

The young man, leaning upon his stick, greeted 
* his aunt and murmured a word of apology. He was 
very fair, with a slight, reddish moustache and the 


4 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


remains of freckles upon his face. His grey eyes 
were a little sunken, and there were lines about his 
mouth which one might have guessed had been 
brought out recently by pain or suffering of some 
sort. His left arm reclined uselessly in a black silk 
sling. He glanced around the little assembly. 

“ First of all,” he said, bowing to the French ac- 
tress and raising her fingers to his lips, “ there is 
no one who does not know Madame Selame. Lady 
Patrick, we have met before, haven’t we? I am go- 
ing to see your husband in his new play the first 
night I am allowed out. Mr. Daniell I have met, and 
Lord Romsey may perhaps do me the honour of re- 
membering me,” he added, shaking hands with the 
Cabinet Minister. 

He turned to face Geraldine Conyers, who had 
been watching him with interest. Lady Anselman 
at once introduced them. 

“ I know that you haven’t met Miss Conyers be- 
cause she has been asking about you. This is my 
nephew Ronnie, Geraldine. I hope that you will be 
friends.” 

The girl murmured something inaudible as she 
shook hands. The young soldier looked at her for 
a moment. His manner became almost serious. 

“ I hope so, too,” he said quietly. 

“ Olive, come and make friends with my nephew 
if you can spare a moment from your young man,” 
Lady Anselman continued. “ Captain Granet — 
Miss Olive Moreton. And this is Geraldine’s 
brother — Lieutenant Conyers.” 

The two men shook hands pleasantly. Lady An- 


5 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

selman glanced at the clock and turned briskly 
towards the corridor. 

“ And now, I think,” she announced, “ luncheon.” 

As she moved forward, she was suddenly conscious 
of the man who had been talking to Madame Selame. 
He had drawn a little on one side and he was watch- 
ing the young soldier with a curious intentness. 
She turned back to her nephew and touched him on 
the arm. 

“ Ronnie,” she said, “ I don’t know whether you 
have met Surgeon-Major Thomson in France? 
Major Thomson, this is my nephew, Captain 
Granet.” 

Granet turned at once and offered his hand to the 
other man. Only Geraldine Conyers, who was a 
young woman given to noticing things, and who had 
also reasons of her own for being interested, ob- 
served the rather peculiar scrutiny with which each 
regarded the other. Something which might almost 
have been a challenge seemed to pass from one to 
the other. 

“ I may not have met you personally,” Granet 
admitted, “ but if you are the Surgeon-Major 
Thomson who has been doing such great things with 
the Field Hospitals at the front, then like nearly 
every poor crock out there I owe you a peculiar debt 
of gratitude. You are the man I mean, aren’t 
you? ” the young soldier concluded cordially. 

Major Thomson bowed, and a moment later they 
all made their way along the corridor, across the 
restaurant, searched for their names on the cards 
and took their places at the table which had been 


6 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

reserved for them. Lady Anselman glanced around 
with the scrutinising air of the professional hostess, 
to see that her guests were properly seated before 
she devoted herself to the Cabinet Minister. She 
had a word or two to say to nearly every one of 
them. 

“ I have put you next Miss Conyers, Ronnie,” she 
remarked, “ because we give all the good things to 
our men when they come home from the war. And 
I have put you next Olive, Ralph,” she went on, 
turning to the sailor, “ because I hear you are ex- 
pecting to get your ship to-day or to-morrow, so 
you, too, have to be spoiled a little. As a general 
rule I don’t approve of putting engaged people to- 
gether, it concentrates conversation so. And, Lord 
Romsey,” she added, turning to her neighbour, 
“ please don’t imagine for a moment that I am going 
to break my promise. We are going to talk about 
everything in the world except the war. I know 
quite well that if Ronnie has had any particularly 
thrilling experiences, he won’t tell us about them, 
and I also know that your brain is packed full of 
secrets which nothing in the world would induce you 
to divulge. We are going to try and persuade 
Madame to tell us about her new play,” she con- 
cluded, smiling at the French actress, “ and there 
are so many of my friends on the French stage 
whom I must hear about.” 

Lord Romsey commenced his luncheon with an air 
of relief. He was a man of little more than middle- 
age, powerfully built, inclined to be sombre, with 
features of a legal type, heavily jawed. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 7 

Ci Always tactful, dear hostess,” he murmured. 
“ As a matter of fact, nothing but the circumstance 
that it was your invitation and that Madame Se- 
larne was to be present, brought me here to-day. 
It is so hard to avoid speaking of the great things, 
and for a man in my position,” he added, dropping 
his voice a little, “ so difficult to say anything worth 
listening to about them, without at any rate the 
semblance of indiscretion.” 

“We all appreciate that,” Lady Anselman as- 
sured him sympathetically. “ Madame Selarne has 
promised to give us an outline of the new play which 
she is producing in Manchester.” 

“ If that would interest you all,” Madame Selarne 
assented, “ it commences — so ! ” 

For a time they nearly all listened in absorbed 
silence. Her gestures, the tricks of her voice, the 
uplifting of her eyebrows and shoulders — all 
helped to give life and colour to the little sketch she 
expounded. Only those at the remote end of the 
table ventured upon an independent conversation. 
Mrs. Cunningham, the woman whom her hostess had 
referred to as being her particular friend, and one 
who shared her passion for entertaining, chatted 
fitfully to her neighbour, Major Thomson. It was 
not until luncheon was more than half-way through 
that she realised the one-sidedness of their conver- 
sation. She studied him for a moment curiously. 
There was something very still and expressionless in 
his face, even though the sunshine from the broad 
high windows which overlooked the Park, was shi- 
ning full upon him. 


8 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 Tell me about yourself ! ” she insisted suddenly. 
44 1 have been talking rubbish quite long enough. 
You have been out, haven’t you? ” 

He assented gravely. 

44 1 went with the first division. At that time I 
was in charge of a field hospital.” 

44 And now? ” 

44 1 am Chief Inspector of Field Hospitals,” he 
replied. 

44 You are home on leave?” 

44 Not exactly,” he told her, a shade of stiffness 
in his manner. 44 1 have to come over very often on 
details connected with the administration of my 
work.” 

44 1 should have known quite well that you were 
a surgeon,” she observed. 

44 You are a physiognomist, then? ” 

44 More or less,” she admitted. 44 You see, I love 
people. I love having people around me. My 
friends find me a perfect nuisance, for I am always 
wanting to give parties. You have the still, cold 
face of a surgeon — and the hands, too,” she added, 
glancing at them. 1 

44 You are very observant,” he remarked laconic- 
ally. 

44 1 am also curious,” she laughed, 44 as you are 
about to discover. Tell me why you are so inter- 
ested in Ronnie Granet? You hadn’t met him before, 
had you? ” 

Almost for the first time he turned and looked 
directly at his neighbour. She was a woman whose 
fair hair was turning grey, well-dressed, sprightly, 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 9 

agreeable. She bad a humourous mouth and an un- 
derstanding face. 

4£ Captain Granet was a stranger to me,” he 
assented. 44 One is naturally interested in soldiers, 
however.” 

44 You must have met thousands like him,” she 
remarked, — 66 good-looking, very British, keen 
sportsman, lots of pluck, just a little careless, 
hating to talk about himself and serious things. I 
have known him since he was a boy.” 

Major Thomson continued to be gravely inter- 
ested. 

46 Granet ! ” he said to himself thoughtfully. 44 Do 
I know any of his people, I wonder? ” 

44 You know some of his connections, of course,” 
Mrs. Cunningham replied briskly. 44 Sir Alfred 
Anselman, for instance, is his uncle.” 

44 His father and mother?” 

44 They are both dead. There is a large family 
place in Warwickshire, and a chateau, just now, I 
am afraid, in the hands of the Germans. It was 
somewhere quite close to the frontier. Lady Granet 
was an Alsatian. He was to have gone out with the 
polo team, you know, to America, but broke a rib 
just as they were making the selection. He played 
cricket for Middlesex once or twice, too, and he 
was Captain of Oxford the year that they did so 
well.” 

44 An Admirable Crichton,” Major Thomson 
murmured. 

44 In sport, at any rate,” his neighbour assented. 
44 He has always been one of the most popular young 


10 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


men about town, but of course the women will spoil 
him now.” 

44 Is it mj fancy,” he asked, 44 or was he not re- 
ported a prisoner? ” 

44 He was missing twice, once for over a week,” 
Mrs. Cunningham replied. 44 There are all sorts of 
stories as to how he got back to the lines. A perfect 
young dare-devil, I should think. I must talk to Mr. 
Daniell for a few minutes or he will never publish 
my reminiscences.” 

She leaned towards her neighbour on the other 
side and Major Thomson was able to resume the 
role of attentive observer, a role which seemed some- 
how his by destiny. He listened without apparent 
interest to the conversation between Geraldine Con- 
yers and the young man whom they had been dis- 
cussing. 

44 1 think,” Geraldine complained, 44 that you are 
rather overdoing your diplomatic reticence, Captain 
Granet. You haven’t told me a single thing. Why, 
some of the Tommies I have been to see in the hos- 
pitals have been far more interesting than you.” 

He smiled. 

» 

44 1 can assure you,” he protested, 44 it isn’t my 
fault. You can’t imagine how fed up one gets with 
things out there, and the newspapers can tell you 
ever so much more than we can. One soldier only 
sees a little bit of his own corner of the fight, you 
know.” 

44 But can’t you tell me some of your own per- 
sonal experiences ? ” she persisted. 44 They are so 
much more interesting than what one reads in print.” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 11 


“ I never had any,” he assured her. 44 Fearfully 
slow time we had for months.” 

44 Of course, I don’t believe a word you say,” she 
declared, laughing. 

44 You’re not taking me for a war correspondent, 
by any chance, are you? ” he asked. 

She shook her head. 

44 Your language isn’t sufficiently picturesque ! 
Tell me, when are you going back? ” 

44 As soon as I can pass the doctors — in a few 
days, I hope.” 

44 You hope?” she repeated. 44 Do you really 
mean that, or do you say it because it is the proper 
thing to say ? ” 

He appeared for the moment to somewhat resent 
her question. 

44 The fact that I hope -to get back,” he remarked 
coldly, 44 has nothing whatever to do with my liking 
my job when I get there. As a matter of fact, I 
hate it. At the same time, you can surely under- 
stand that there isn’t any other place for a man of 
my age and profession.” 

44 Of course not,” she agreed softly. 44 1 really 
am sorry that I bothered you. There is one thing 
I should like to know, though, and that is how you 
managed to escape? ” 

He shook his head but his amiability seemed to 
have wholly returned. His eyes twinkled as he 
looked at her. 

44 There we’re up against a solid wall of impossi- 
bility,” he replied. 44 You see, some of our other 
chaps may try the dodge. I gave them the tip and 


12 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


I don’t want to spoil their chances. By-the-bye, do 
you know the man two places down on your left? ” 
he added, dropping his voice a little. “ Looks al- 
most like a waxwork figure, doesn’t he? ” 

“ You mean Major Thomson? Yes, I know him,” 
she assented, after a moment’s hesitation. “ He is 
very quiet to-day, but he is really most interesting.” 

Their hostess rose and beamed on them all from 
her end of the table. 

“ We have decided,” she announced, “ to take our 
coffee out in the lounge.” 


CHAPTER II 


The little party trooped out of the restaurant and 
made their way to a corner of the lounge, where 
tables had already been prepared with coffee and 
liqueurs. Geraldine Conyers and Captain Granet, 
who had lingered behind, found a table to themselves. 
Lady Anselman laid her fingers upon Major Thom- 
son’s arm. 

“ Please talk for a few more minutes to Selame,” 
she begged. 44 Your French is such a relief to her.” 

He obeyed immediately, although his eyes strayed 
more than once towards the table at which Captain 
Granet and his companion were seated. Madame 
Selarne was in a gossipy mood and they found many 
mutual acquaintances. 

44 To speak a foreign language as you do,” she 
told him, 44 is wonderful. Is it in French alone, 
monsieur, that you excel, or are you, perhaps, a 
great linguist? ” 

44 1 can scarcely call myself that,” he replied, 
44 but I do speak several other languages. In my 
younger days I travelled a good deal.” 

44 German, perhaps, too ? ” she inquired with a 
little grimace. 

44 1 was at a hospital in Berlin,” he confessed. 

Lady Anselman’s party was suddenly increased by 


14 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

the advent of some acquaintances from an adjoining 
table, all of whom desired to be presented to Madame 
Selarne. Major Thomson, set at liberty, made his 
way at once towards the small table at which Cap- 
tain Granet and Geraldine Conyers were seated. 
She welcomed him with a smile. 

“ Are you coming to have coffee with us?** she 
asked. 

“ If I may,” he answered. “ I shall have to be 
off in a few minutes.” 

A waiter paused before their table and offered a 
salver on which were several cups of coffee and 
liqueur glasses. Captain Granet leaned forward in 
his place and stretched out his hand to serve his 
companion. Before he could take the cup, however, 
the whole tray had slipped from the waiter’s fingers, 
caught the corner of the table, and fallen with its 
contents on to the carpet. The waiter himself — a 
small, undersized person with black, startled eyes set 
at that moment in a fixed and unnatural stare — 
made one desperate effort to save himself and then 
fell backwards. Every one turned around, attracted 
by the noise of the falling cups and the sharp, half- 
stifled groan which broke from the man’s lips. Cap- 
tain Granet sprang to his feet. 

“ Good heavens ! The fellow’s in a fit ! ” he ex- 
claimed. 

The maitre d’hotel and several waiters came hur- 
rying up towards the prostrate figure, by the side 
of which Major Thomson was already kneeling. 
The manager, who appeared upon the scene as 
though by magic, and upon whose face was an ex- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 15 


pression of horror that his clients should have been 
so disturbed, quickly gave his orders. The man was 
picked up and carried away. Major Thomson fol- 
lowed behind. Two or three waiters in a few seconds 
succeeded in removing the debris of the accident, the 
orchestra commenced a favourite waltz. The maitre 
d’hotel apologised to the little groups of people for 
the commotion — they were perhaps to blame for 
having employed a young man so delicate — he was 
scarcely fit for service. 

64 He seemed to be a foreigner,” Lady Anselman 
remarked, as the man addressed his explanations to 

her. 

44 He was a Belgian, madam. He was seriously 
wounded at the commencement of the war. We took 
him direct from the hospital.” 

44 1 hope the poor fellow will soon recover,” Lady 
Anselman declared. 44 Please do not think anything 
more of the affair so far as we are concerned. You 
must let me know later on how he is.” 

The maitre d’hotel retreated with a little bow. 
Geraldine turned to Captain Granet. 

44 1 think,” she said, 44 that you must be very kind- 
hearted, for a soldier.” 

He turned and looked at her. 

« Why? ” 

44 You must have seen so many horrible sights — 
so many dead people, and yet — ” 

44 Well?” he persisted. 

44 There was something in your face when the man 
staggered back, a kind of horror almost. I am sure 
you felt it quite as much as any of us.” 


16 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

He was silent for a moment. 

44 In a battlefield,” he observed slowly, 44 one nat- 
urally becomes a little callous, but here it is differ- 
ent. The fellow did look ghastly ill, didn’t he? I 
wonder what was really the matter with him.” 

“We shall know when Major Thomson returns,” 
she said. 

Granet seemed scarcely to hear her words. A curi- 
ous fit of abstraction had seized him. His head was 
turned towards the corridor, he seemed to be waiting. 

44 Queer sort of stick, Thomson,” he remarked 
presently. 44 Is he a great friend of yours, Miss 
Conyers ? ” 

She hesitated for a moment. 

44 1 have known him for some time.” 

Something in her tone seemed to disturb him. He 
leaned towards her quickly. His face had lost its 
good-humoured indifference. He was evidently very 
much in earnest. 

44 Please don’t think me impertinent,” he begged, 
44 but — is he a very great friend? ” 

She did not answer. She was looking over his 
shoulder towards where Major Thomson, who had 
just returned, was answering a little stream of ques- 
tions. 

“ The man is in a shockingly weak state,” he an- 
nounced. 44 He is a Belgian, has been wounded and 
evidently subjected to great privations. His heart 
is very much weakened. Pie had a bad fainting fit, 
but with a long rest he may recover.” 

The little party broke up once more into groups. 
Granet, who had drawn for a moment apart and 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 17 

seemed to be adjusting the knots of his sling, turned 
to Thomson. 

44 Has he recovered consciousness yet? 55 he asked. 

44 Barely,” was the terse reply. 

44 There was no special cause for his going off like 
that, I suppose? ” 

Surgeon-Major Thomson’s silence was scarcely a 
hesitation. He was standing perfectly still, his eyes 
fixed upon the young soldier. 

66 At present,” he said, 64 1 am not quite clear 
about that. If you are ready, Geraldine?” 

She nodded and they made their farewells to Lady 
Anselman. Granet looked after them with a slight 
frown. He drew his aunt on one side for a moment. 

44 Why is Miss Conyers here without a chaperon ? ” 
he asked. 44 And why did she go away with Thom- 
son ? 99 

Lady Anselman laughed. 

44 Didn’t she tell you ? ” 

44 Tell me what? ” he insisted eagerly. 

Lady Anselman looked at her nephew curiously. 

44 Evidently,” she remarked, 44 your progress with 
the young lady was not so rapid as it seemed, or she 
would have told you her secret — which, by-the-bye, 
isn’t a secret at all. She and Major Thomson are 
engaged to be married.” 


CHAPTER III 


A few rays of fugitive sunshine were brightening 
Piccadilly when Geraldine and her escort left the 
Ritz. The momentary depression occasioned by the 
dramatic little episode of a few minutes ago, seemed 
already to have passed from the girl’s manner. She 
walked on, humming to herself. As they paused to 
cross the road, she glanced as though involuntarily 
at her companion. His dark morning clothes and 
rather abstracted air created an atmosphere of 
sombreness about him of which she was suddenly 
conscious. 

“ Hugh, why don’t you wear uniform in town? ” 
she asked. 

“ Why should I ? ” he replied. “ After all, I am 
not really a fighting man, you see.” 

“ It’s so becoming,” she sighed. 

He seemed to catch the reminiscent flash in her 
eyes as she looked down the street, and a shadow of 
foreboding clouded his mind. 

“You found Captain Granet interesting?” 

“ Very,” she assented heartily. “ I think he is de- 
lightful, don’t you? ” 

“ He certainly seems to be a most attractive type 
of young man,” Thomson admitted. 

“ And how wonderful to have had such adven- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 19 

tures!” she continued. “ Life has become so 
strange, though, during the last few months. To 
think that the only time I ever saw him before was 
at a polo match, and to-day we sit side by side in 
a restaurant, and, although he won’t speak of them, 
one knows that he has had all manner of marvellous 
adventures. He was one of those who went straight 
from the playing fields to look for glory, wasn’t he, 
Hugh? He made a hundred and thirty-two for 
Middlesex the day before war was declared.” 

“ That’s the type of young soldier who’s going to 
carry us through, if any one can,” Major Thomson 
agreed cheerfully. 

She suddenly clutched at his arm. 

“ Hugh,” she exclaimed, pointing to a placard 
which a newsboy was carrying, “ that is the one 
thing I cannot bear, the one thing which I think if 
I were a man would turn me into a savage ! ” 

They both paused and read the headlines — 

PASSENGER STEAMER TORPEDOED WITH- 
OUT WARNING IN THE IRISH SEA. 
TWENTY-TWO LIVES LOST. 

“ That is the sort of thing,” she groaned, “ which 
makes one long to be not a man but a god, to be 
able to wield thunderbolts and to deal out hell ! ” 

“ Good for you, Gerry,” a strong, fresh voice be- 
hind them declared. “ That’s my job now. Didn’t 
you hear us shouting after you, Olive and I? 
Look ! ” 

Her brother waved a telegram. 


20 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


“You’ve got your ship?” Thomson inquired. 

“ I’ve got what I wanted,” the young man an 
swered enthusiastically. “ I’ve got a destroyer, one 
of the new type — forty knots an hour, a dear little 
row of four-inch guns, and, my God! something else, 
I hope, that’ll teach those murderers a lesson,” he 
added, shaking his fist towards the placard. 

Geraldine laid her hand upon her brother’s arm. 

“ When do you join, Ralph? ” 

“ To-morrow night at Portsmouth,” he replied. 
“ I’m afraid we shall be several days before we are 
at work. It’s the 6 Scorpion ’ they’re giving me, 
Gerald — or the mystery ship, as they call it in the 
navy.” 

“ Why? ” she asked. 

His rather boyish face, curiously like his sister’s, 
was suddenly transformed. 

“ Because we’ve got a rod in pickle for those 
cursed pirates — ” 

“ Conyers ! ” Thomson interrupted. 

The young man paused in his sentence. Thomson 
was looking towards him with a slight frown upon 
his forehead. 

“ Don’t think I’m a fearful old woman,” he said. 
“ I know we are all rather fed up with these tales of 
spies and that sort of thing, but do you think it’s 
wise to even open your lips about a certain matter? ” 

“ What the dickens do you know about it? ” Con- 
yers demanded. 

“ Nothing,” Thomson assured him hastily, “ noth- 
ing at all. I am only going by what you said your- 
self. If there is any device on the 4 Scorpion ’ for 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 21 


dealing with these infernal craft, I’d never breathe 
a word about it, if I were you. I’d put out to sea 
with a seal upon my lips, even before Geraldine here 
and Miss Moreton.” 

The young man’s cheeks were a little flushed. 

44 Perhaps you’re right,” he admitted. 44 1 was a 
little over-excited. To get the 4 Scorpion ’ was more, 
even, than I had dared to hope for. Still, before the 
girls it didn’t seem to matter very much. There are 
no spies, anyhow, hiding in the trees of Berkeley 
Street,” he added, glancing about them. 

Thomson held up his finger and stopped a taxicab. 

44 You won’t be annoyed with me, will you?” he 
said to Conyers. 44 If you’d heard half the stories 
I had of the things we have given away quite inno- 
cently — ” 

44 That’s all right,” the young man interrupted, 
44 only you mustn’t think I’m a gas-bag just because 
I said a word or two here before Gerry and Olive 
and 1 you, old fellow.” 

44 Must you go, Hugh? ” Geraldine asked. 

44 1 am so sorry,” he replied, 44 but I must. I really 
have rather an important appointment this after- 
noon.” 

44 An appointment! ” she grumbled. 44 You are in 
London for so short a time and you seem to be keep- 
ing appointments all the while. I sha’n’t let you go 
unless you tell me what it’s about.” 

44 1 have to inspect a new pattern of camp bed- 
stead,” he explained calmly. 44 If I may, I will tele- 
phone directly I am free and see if you are at lib- 
erty.” 


22 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

She shrugged her shoulders but gave him a pleas- 
ant little nod as he stepped into the taxi. 

44 Sober old stick, Thomson,” her brother observed, 
as they started off. 44 I didn’t like his pulling me 
up like that but I expect he was right.” 

44 I don’t see what business it was of his and I 
think it was rather horrid of him,” Olive declared. 
44 As though Gerry or I mattered ! ” 

44 A chap like Thomson hasn’t very much discre- 
tion, you see,” Ralph Conyers remarked. 44 You’ll 
have to wake him up a bit, Gerry, if you mean to get 
any fun out of life.” 

There was just the faintest look of trouble in Ger- 
aldine’s face. She remained perfectly loyal, how- 
ever. 

44 Some of us take life more seriously than others,” 
she sighed. 44 Hugh is one of them. When one re- 
members all the terrible things he must have seen, 
though, it is very hard to find fault with him.” 

They turned into the Square and paused before 
Olive’s turning. 

44 You’re coming down with me, Ralph, and you 
too, Geraldine ? ” she invited. 

Conyers shook his head regretfully. 

44 I’m due at the Admiralty at four to receive my 
final instructions,” he said. 44 1 must move along at 
once.” 

The smile suddenly faded from his lips. He 
seemed to be listening to the calling of the newsboys 
down the street. 

44 1 don’t know what my instructions are going to 
be,” he continued, dropping his voice a little, 44 but 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 23 

I’m sick of making war the way our chaps are doing 
it. If ever I’m lucky enough to get one of those 
murderous submarines, I can promise you one thing 
— there’ll be no survivors.” 

For a moment or two they neither of them spoke. 
From out of the windows of the house before which 
they were standing came the music of a popular 
waltz. Olive turned away with a little shiver. 

“ You think I’m brutal, dear,” Conyers went on, 
as he patted her hand. “ Remember I’ve seen men 
killed — that’s what makes the difference, Olive. 
Yes, I am different! We are all different, we who’ve 
tackled the job. Thomson’s different. Your young 
man at luncheon, Geraldine — what’s his name? — 
Granet — he’s different. There’s something big 
and serious grown up inside us, and the brute is 
looking out. It has to be. I’ll come in later, Olive, 
Tell the mater I shall be home to dinner, Geraldine, 
The governor’s waiting down at the Admiralty fo? 
me. Good-bye, girls ! ” 

He waved his hand and strode down towards the 
corner of the Square. Both girls watched him 
for a few moments. His shoulders were as square 
as ever but something had gone from the springi- 
ness of his gait. There was nothing left of the 
sailor’s jaunty swagger. 

“ They are all like that,” Geraldine whispered, 
u when they’ve been face to face with the real thing 
And we are only women, Olive.” 


CHAPTER IV 


Surgeon-Major Thomson had apparently forgot- 
ten his appointment to view camp bedsteads, for, a 
few minutes after he h|id left Geraldine and her 
brother, his taxicab set him down before a sombre- 
looking house in Adelphi Terrace. He passed 
through the open doorway, up two flights of stairs, 
drew a key of somewhat peculiar shape from his 
pocket and opened a door in front of him. He 
found himself in a very small hall, from which there 
was no egress save through yet another door, 
through which he passed and stepped into a large 
but singularly bare-looking apartment. Three 
great safes were ranged along one side of the wall, 
piles of newspapers and maps were strewn all over 
a long table, and a huge Ordnance map of the 
French and Belgian Frontiers stood upon an easel. 
The only occupant of the apartment was a man 
who was sitting before a typewriter in front of the 
window. He turned his head and rose at Thomson’s 
entrance, a rather short, keen-looking young man, 
his face slightly pitted with smallpox, his mouth 
hard and firm, his eyes deep-set and bright. 

44 Anything happened, Ambrose? ” 

44 A dispatch, sir,” was the brief reply. 

44 From the War Office? ” 

44 No, sir, it came direct.” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 25 


Thomson drew the thin sheet of paper from its 
envelope and swept a space for himself at the corner 
of the table. Then he unlocked one of the safes and 
drew out from an inner drawer a parchment book 
bound in brown vellum. He spread out the dispatch 
and read it carefully. It had been handed in at a 
town near the Belgian frontier about eight hours 
before : — 

Fifty thousand camp bedsteads" are urgently required 
for neighbourhood of La Guir. Please do your best 
for us, the matter is urgent. Double mattress if possible. 
London. 

For a matter of ten minutes Thomson was busy 
with his pencil and the code-book. When he had 
finished, he studied thoughtfully the message which 
he had transcribed : — 

Plans for attack on La Guir communicated. Attack 
foiled. Believe Smith in London. 

44 Anything important, sir? ” the young man at 
the typewriter asked. 

Thomson nodded but made no immediate reply. 
He first of all carefully destroyed the message 
which he had received, and the transcription, and 
watched the fragments of paper bum into ashes. 
Then he replaced the code-book in the safe, which 
he carefully locked, and strolled towards the win- 
dow. He stood for several minutes looking out 
towards the Thames. 

44 The same thing has happened again at La 
Guir,” he said at last. 


26 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


“Any clue?” 

“ None. They say that he is in London now.” 

The two men looked at one another for a moment 
in grave silence. Ambrose leaned back in his chair 
and frowned heavily. 

“ Through our lines, through Boulogne, across 
the Channel, through Dover Station, out of Charing - 
Cross, through our own men and the best that Scot- 
land Yard could do for us. In London, eh? ” 

Thomson’s face twitched convulsively. His teeth 
had come together with a little snap. 

“ You needn’t play at being headquarters, Am- 
brose,” he said hoarsely. “ I know it seems like a 
miracle but there’s a reason for that.” 

“ What is it? ” Ambrose asked. 

“ Only a few weeks after the war began,” Thom- 
son continued, thoughtfully, “ two French generals, 
fotir or five colonels, and over twenty junior and 
non-commissioned officers were court-martialled for 
espionage. The French have been on the lookout 
for that sort of thing. We haven’t. There isn’t 
one of these men who are sitting in judgment upon 
us to-day, Ambrose, who would listen to me for a 
single moment if I were to take the bull by the horns 
and say that the traitor we seek is one of ourselves.” 

“You’re right,” Ambrose murmured, “but do 
you believe it? ” 

“ I do,” Thomson asserted. “ It isn’t only the 
fact of the attacks themselves miscarrying, but it’s 
the knowledge on the other side of exactly how best 
to meet that attack. It’s the exact knowledge they 
have as to our dispositions, our most secret and sud- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 27 

den change of tactics. We’ve suffered enough, Am- 
brose, in this country from civil spies — the Gov- 
ernment are to blame for that. But there are plenty 
of people who go blustering about, declaring that 
two of our Cabinet Ministers ought to be hung, 
who’d turn round and give you the lie if you hinted 
for a moment that the same sort of thing in a far 
worse degree was going on amongst men who are 
wearing the King’s uniform.” 

44 It’s ugly,” Ambrose muttered, 44 damned ugly ! ” 

44 Look at me,” Major Thomson continued 
thoughtfully. 44 Every secret connected with our 
present and future plans practically passes through 
my hands, yet no one watches me. Whisper a word 
at the War Office that perhaps it would be as well — 
just for a week, say — to test a few of my reports, 
and they’d laugh at you with the air of superior 
beings listening to the chatter of a fool. Yet what 
is there impossible about it? I may have some secret 
vice — avarice, perhaps. Germany would give me 
the price of a kingdom for all that I could tell them. 
Yet because I am an English officer I am above all 
suspicion. It’s magnificent, Ambrose, but it’s damn- 
ably foolish.” 

The young man watched his chief for several 
moments. Thomson was standing before the win- 
dow, the cold spring light falling full upon his face, 
with its nervous lines and strongly-cut, immobile 
features. He felt a curious indisposition to speak, 
a queer sort of desire to w r ait on the chance of hear- 
ing more. 

44 A single kink in my brain,” Thomson continued, 


28 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


44 a secret weakness, perhaps even a dash of lunacy, 
and I might be quite reasonably the master-spy of 
the world. I was in Berlin six weeks ago, Ambrose. 
There wasn’t a soul who ever knew it. I made no 
report, on purpose.” 

44 Perhaps they knew and said nothing,” Ambrose 
suggested softly. 

There was a moment’s silence. Thomson seemed 
to be considering the idea with strange intensity. 
Then he shook his head. 

44 1 think not,” he decided. 44 When the history 
of this war is written, Ambrose, with flamboyant 
phrases and copious rhetoric, there will be unwritten 
chapters, more dramatic, having really more direct 
effect upon the final issue than even the great battles 
which have seemed the dominant factors. Sit tight 
here, Ambrose, and wait. I may be going over to 
Boulogne at any hour.” 

Thomson pushed on one side the curtains which 
concealed an inner room, and passed through. In 
a quarter of an hour he reappeared, dressed in uni- 
form. His tone, his bearing, his whole manner were 
changed. He walked with a springier step, he car- 
ried a little cane and he was whistling softly to him- 
self. 

44 1 am going to one or two places in the Totten- 
ham Court Road, by appointment,” he announced, 
44 to inspect some new patterns of camp bedsteads. 
You can tell them, if they ring up from Whitehall, 
that I’ll report myself later in the evening.” 

Curiously enough, the other man, too, had 
changed as though in sympathetic deference to his 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 29 


superior officer. He had become simply the obedient 
and assiduous secretary. 

“ Very good, sir,” he said smoothly. “ I’ll do my 
best to finish these specifications before you return.” 


CHAPTER V 


Lord Romsey, after his luncheon-party, spent an 
hour at his official residence in Whitehall and made 
two other calls on his way home. His secretary met 
him in the spacious hall of his house in Portland 
Square, a few moments after he had resigned his 
coat and hat to the footman. 

“ There is a gentleman here to see you who says 
that he made an appointment by telephone, sir,” he 
announced. “ His name is Sidney — the Reverend 
Horatio Sidney, he calls himself.” 

Lord Romsey stood for a moment without reply. 
His lips had come together in a hard, unpleasant 
line. It was obvious that this was by no means a 
welcome visitor. 

“ I gave no appointment, Ainsley,” he remarked. 
“ I simply said that I would see the gentleman when 
he arrived in England. You had better bring him 
to my study,” he continued, 66 and be careful that no 
one interrupts us.” 

The young man withdrew and the Cabinet Minis- 
ter made his way to his study. A little of the elas- 
ticity, however, had gone from his footsteps and he 
seated himself before his desk with the air of a mart 
who faces a disagreeable quarter of an hour. He 
played for a moment with a pen-holder. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 31 

66 The skeleton in the cupboard,” he muttered to 
himself gloomily. 66 Even the greatest of us,” he 
added, with a momentary return of his more inflated 
self, “ have them.” 

There was a knock at the door and the secretary 
reappeared, ushering in this undesired visitor. 

44 This is Mr. Sidney, sir,” he announced quietly. 

The Cabinet Minister rose in his place and held 
out his hand in his best official style, a discreet mix- 
ture of reserve and condescension. His manner 
changed, however, the moment the door was closed. 
He withdrew his hand, which the other had made no 
attempt to grasp. 

44 1 am according you the interview you desire,” 
he said, pointing to a chair, 44 but I shall be glad if 
you will explain the purport of your visit in as few 
words as possible. You will, I hope, appreciate the 
fact that your presence here is a matter of grave 
embarrassment to me.” 

Mr. Sidney bowed. He was a tall and apparently 
an elderly man, dressed with the utmost sobriety. 
He accepted the chair without undue haste, adjusted 
a pair of hom-rimmed spectacles and took some 
papers from his pocket. 

44 Sir,” he began, speaking deliberately but with- 
out any foreign accent, 44 1 am here to make certain 
proposals to you on behalf of a person who at your 
own request shall be nameless.” 

Lord Romsey frowned ponderously and tapped the 
desk by his side with his thick forefinger. 

44 1 cannot prevent your speaking, of course,” he 
said, 44 but I wish you to understand from the first 


32 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

that I am not in a position to deal with any mes- 
sages or communications from your master, whoever 
he may be, or any one else in your country.” 

44 Nevertheless,” the other remarked drily, 44 my 
message must be delivered.” 

An impulse of curiosity struggled through the 
gloom and apprehension of Lord Romsey’s manner. 
He gazed at his visitor with knitted brows. 

44 Who are you ? ” he demanded. 44 An English- 
man ? ” 

46 It is of no consequence,” was the colourless 
reply. 

44 But it is of consequence,” Lord Romsey in- 
sisted. 44 You have dared to proclaim yourself an 
ambassador to me from a country with whom Eng- 
land is at war. Even a discussion between us 
amounts almost to treason. On second thoughts I 
decline to receive you.” 

He held out his hand towards the electric bell 
which stood on his study table. His visitor shook 
his head. 

44 1 wouldn’t adopt that attitude, if I were you,” 
he said calmly. 44 You know why. If you are really 
curious about my nationality, there is no harm in 
telling you that I am an American citizen, that I 
have held for three years the post of American chap- 
lain at Brussels. Better let me say what I have 
come to say.” 

Lord Romsey hesitated. His natural propensity 
for temporising asserted itself and his finger left the 
bell. The other continued. 

44 You are in the unfortunate position, Lord Rom- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 33 


sey, of having failed absolutely in your duty towards 
your own country, and having grossly and traitor- 
ously deceived a personage who has always treated 
you with the greatest kindness. I am here to see if 
it is possible for you to make some amends.” 

64 1 deny every word you say,” the Minister de- 
clared passionately, 44 and I refuse to hear your 
proposition.” 

Mr. Sidney’s manner suddenly changed. He 
leaned forward in his chair. 

44 Do not be foolish,” he advised. 44 Your last 
letter to a certain personage was dated June second. 
I have a copy of it with me. Shall I read it to you, 
word by word? ” 

44 Thank you, I remember enough of it,” Lord 
Romsey groaned. 

44 You will listen, then, to what I have to say,” 
the envoy proceeded, 44 or that letter will be pub- 
lished in the Times to-morrow morning. You know 
what that will mean — your political ruin, your ever- 
lasting disgrace. What use will this country, 
blinded at the present moment by prejudice, have 
for a statesman who, without authority, pledged his 
Government to an alliance with Germany, who over 
his own signature — ” 

44 Stop ! ” Lord Romsey interrupted. 44 There is 
no purpose in this. What is it you want?” 

44 Your influence in the Cabinet. You are respon- 
sible for this war. It is for you to end it.” 

44 Rubbish ! ” the other exclaimed hoarsely. 44 You 
are attempting to saddle me with a responsibility like 
this, simply because my personal sympathies have 


34 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


always been on the side of the country you are 
representing.” 

44 It is not a question of your personal sympa- 
thies,” Mr. Sidney returned swiftly. In black and 
white you pledged your Government to abstain from 
war against Germany.” 

44 How could I tell,” the statesman protested, 
64 that Germany was thinking of tearing up treaties, 
of entering into a campaign of sheer and scanda- 
lous aggression? ” 

44 You made no stipulations or conditions in what 
you wrote,” was the calm reply. 44 You pledged 
your word that your Government would never de- 
clare war against Germany. You alluded to the 
French entente as an unnatural one. You spoke elo- 
quently of the kinship of spirit between England 
and Germany.” 

Lord Romsey moved uneasily in his chair. He 
had expected to find this an unpleasant interview 
and he was certainly not being disappointed. 

44 Well, I was mistaken,” he admitted. 44 What I 
said was true enough. I never did believe that the 
Government with which I was associated would de- 
clare war against Germany. Even now, let me tell 
you that there isn’t a soul breathing who knows how 
close the real issue was. If your people had only 
chosen any other line of advance ! ” 

44 1 have not come here to recriminate,” Mr. Sid- 
ney declared. 44 That is not my mission. I am here 
to state our terms for refraining from sending your 
letters — your personal letters to the Kaiser — to 
the English Press.” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 35 

Lord Romsey sprang to his feet. 

46 Good God, man ! Do you know what you are 
saying? ” he exclaimed. 

44 Perfectly,” the other replied. 44 1 told you 
that my errand was a serious one. Shall I pro- 
ceed? ” 

The Minister slowly resumed his seat. From be- 
hind the electric lamp his face was ghastly white. 
T n that brief pause which followed he seemed to be 
looking through the walls of the room into an ugly 
chapter of his future. Pie saw the headlines in the 
newspapers, the leading articles, the culmination of 
all the gossip and mutterings of the last few months, 
the end of his political career — a disgraceful and 
ignoble end! Surely no man had ever been placed 
in so painful a predicament. It was treason to par- 
ley. It was disgraceful to send this man away. 

44 Germany wants peace,” his visitor continued 
crJtfily. 44 She may not have accomplished all she 
washed to have accomplished by this war, and she is 
V ii as strong as ever from a military point of view* 
\ *:i she wants peace. I need say no more than that.” 

Lord Romsey shook his head. 

V Tven if I had the influence, which I haven’t,” he 
/ 1 r , 44 it isn’t a matter of the Government at all. 
v ( country would never stand it.” 

* Then you had better convert the country,” was 
i: orompt reply. 44 Look upon it as your duty. 

Remember this — you are the man in all this world,, 
aaid not the Kaiser, who is responsible for this war. 
But for your solemn words pledging your country to 
neutrality, Germany would never have forced the 


36 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

issue as she has done. Now it is for you to repair 
the evil. I tell you that we want peace. The first 
overtures may come ostensibly through Washington, 
if you will, but they must come in reality from you. 5 ’ 

The Minister leaned back in his chair. His was 
the calmness of despair. 

44 You might as well ask me,” he said simply, 44 to 
order our Fleet out of the North Sea.” 

Mr. Sidney rose to his feet. 

44 I think,” he advised, 64 that you had better try 
what you can do, Lord Hornsey. We shall give you 
a little time. We may even extend it, if we find 
traces of your influence. You have two colleagues, 
at least, who are pacifists at heart. Take them on 
one side, talk in a whisper at first. Plant just a little 
seed but be careful that it grows. We do not expect 
impossibilities, only — remember what failure will 
mean to you.” 

Lord Romsey looked steadfastly at his visitor. 
Mr. Sidney was tall and spare, and there was cer- 
tainly nothing of the Teuton or the American in his 
appearance or accent. His voice was characterless, 
his restraint almost unnatural. Relieved of his more 
immediate fears, the Minister was conscious of a re- 
newed instinct of strong curiosity. 

44 How can I communicate with you, Mr. — Sid- 
ney ? ” he asked. 

44 In no way,” the other replied. 44 When I think 
it advisable I shall come to see you again.” 

44 Are you an American or a German or an Eng- 
lishman ? ” 

44 1 am whichever I choose for the moment,” was 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 37 

the cool response. 66 If you doubt my credentials, I 
can perhaps establish myself in your confidence by 
repeating the conversation which took place between 
you and the Kaiser on the terrace of the Imperial 
Palace at Potsdam between three and four o’clock on 
the afternoon of April the seventh. You gave the 
Kaiser a little character sketch of your colleagues in 
the Cabinet, and you treated with ridicule the bare 
idea that one or two of them, at any rate, would 
ever consent — ” 

“ That will do,” the Minister interrupted hoarsely. 

“ Just as you will,” the other observed. “ I wish 
you good-day, sir. The issue is before you now 
quite plainly. Let us soon be able to appreciate the 
effect of your changed attitude.” 

Lord Romsey touched his bell in silence and his 
visitor took a grave and decorous leave. He walked 
with the secretary down the hall. 

“ These are sad days for all of us,” he said be- 
nignly. u I have been telling Lord Romsey of some 
of my experiences in Brussels. I was American 
chaplain at the new church there when the war broke 
out. I have seen sights which I shall never forget, 
horrors the memory of which will never leave me.” 

The secretary nodded sympathetically. 4Ie was 
trying to get off early, however, and he had heard 
a good deal already about Belgium. 

“ Will you let one of the servants fetch you a 
taxicab ? ” he suggested. 

66 I prefer to walk a little distance,” Mr. Sidney 
replied. u I am quite at home in London. I was 
once, in fact, invited to take up a pastorate here. I 


38 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

wish you good-day, sir. I have had a most interest* 
ing conversation with your chief, a conversation 
which will dwell for a long time in my memory.” 

The secretary bowed and Mr. Sidney walked 
slowly to the corner of the Square. Arrived there, 
he hailed a passing taxicab which drew up at once by 
the side of the kerb. In stepping in, he brushed the 
shoulder of a man who had paused to light a ciga- 
rette. He lingered for a moment to apologise. 

44 I beg your pardon,” he commenced — 

For a single moment his self-possession seemed to 
desert him. He looked into the cold, incurious face 
of the man in officer’s uniform who was already 
moving away, as though he had seen a ghost. His 
hesitation was a matter of seconds only, however. 

44 It was very, clumsy of me,” he concluded. 

Major Thomson touched his cap as he moved off. 

44 Quite all right,” he said serenely. 


CHAPTER VI 


The room was a study in masculine luxury. The 
brown walls were hung with a choice selection of 
sporting prints, varied here and there with silver- 
point etchings of beautiful women in various poses. 
There were a good many photographs, mostly signed, 
above the mantelpiece; a cigar cabinet, a case of 
sporting-rifles and shot guns, some fishing tackle, a 
case of books, distributed appropriately about the 
apartment. There were some warlike trophies dis- 
played without ostentation, a handsome writing-table 
on which stood a telephone. On a thick green rug 
stretched in front of the fireplace, a fox terrier lay 
blinking at the wood fire. The room was empty 
and silent except for the slow ticking of an ancient 
clock which stood underneath an emblazoned coat of 
arms in the far corner. The end of a log broke off 
and fell hissing into the hearth. The fox terrier 
rose reluctantly to his feet, shook himself and stood 
looking at the smoking fragment in an aggrieved 
manner. Satisfied that no personal harm was in- 
tended to him, however, he presently curled himself 
up once more. Again the apartment seemed to be- 
come the embodiment of repose. The clock, after a 
hoarse wheezing warning, struck seven. The dog 


40 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


opened one eye and looked up at it. A few minute* 
later, the peace of the place was broken in a different 
fashion. There was the sound of a key being hastily 
fitted into the lock of the outside door. The dog 
rose to his feet expectantly. The door which led 
into the apartment was thrown open and hastily 
slammed to. A man, breathing heavily, stood for a 
moment upon the threshold, his head stooped a little 
as though listening. Then, without a glance, even, 
at the dog who jumped to greet him, he crossed the 
room with swift, stealthy footsteps. Before he 
could reach the other side, however, the door which 
faced him was opened. A man-servant looked in- 
quiringly out. 

“ My bath and clothes, Jarvis, like hell! ” 

The man glided away, his master following close 
behind. From somewhere further inside the flat, the 
sound of water running into a bath was heard. The 
door was closed, again there was silence. The fox 
terrier, after a few moments’ scratching at the door, 
resumed his place upon the rug and curled himself 
up to renewed slumber. 

The next interruption was of a different nature. 
The sharp, insistent summons of an electric bell from 
outside rang through the room. In a moment or 
two the man-servant appeared from the inner apart- 
ment, crossed the floor and presently reappeared, 
ushering in a visitor. 

“ Captain Granet is changing for dinner at pres- 
ent, sir,” he explained. 64 If you will take a seat, 
however, he will be out presently. What name shall 
I say P ” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 41 

44 Surgeon-Major Thomson.” 

The servant wheeled an easy-chair up towards the 
fire and placed by its side a small table on which 
were some illustrated papers. Then, with a little 
bow, he disappeared through the inner door. Major 
Thomson, who had been fingering the Sketch, laid 
it down the moment the door was closed. He leaned 
forward, his face a little strained. He had the air 
of listening intently. After a brief absence the man 
returned. 

44 Captain Granet will be with you in a few mo- 
ments, sir,” he announced. 

44 Please ask him not to hurry,” Major Thomson 
begged. 

44 Certainly, sir.” 

The man withdrew and once more Thomson and 
the dog were alone. The latter, having made a few 
overtures of friendship which passed unnoticed, re- 
sumed his slumbers. Major Thomson sat upright 
in his easy-chair, an illustrated paper in his hand. 
All the time, however, his eyes seemed to be search- 
ing the room. His sense of listening was obviously 
quickened ; he had the air, even, of thinking rapidly. 
Five — ten minutes passed. Then voices were heard 
from within and the door was suddenly opened. 
Captain Granet emerged and crossed the room, hob- 
bling slightly towards his visitor. 

44 Awfully sorry to keep you like this,” he re- 
marked pleasantly. 44 The fact is I’d just got into 
my bath.” 

44 1 ought to apologise,” his visitor replied, 44 for 
calling at such a time.” 


42 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

“ Glad to see you, anyway,” the other declared, 
pausing at his smoking-cabinet and bringing out 
some cigarettes. 64 Try one of these, won’t you? ” 

44 Not just now, thanks.” 

There was a moment’s pause. Major Thomson 
seemed in no hurry to explain himself. 

44 Jolly luncheon party, wasn’t it?” Granet re- 
marked, lighting a cigarette for himself with some 
difficulty. 44 What an idiot it makes a fellow feel 
to be strapped up like this ! ” 

44 From what one reads of the fighting around 
Ypres,” the other replied, 44 you were lucky to get 
out of it so well. Let me explain, if I may, why I 
have paid you this rather untimely call.” 

Captain Granet nodded amiably. He had made 
himself comfortable in an easy-chair and was plajung 
with the dog, who had jumped on to his knee. 

44 1 had some conversation on Thursday last,” 
Major Thomson began, 44 with the Provost-Marshal 
of Boulogne. As you, of course, know, we have suf- 
fered a great deal, especially around Ypres, from 
the marvellous success of the German Intelligence 
Department. The Provost-Marshal, who is a friend 
of mine, told me that there was a special warning 
out against a person purporting to be an American 
chaplain who had escaped from Belgium. You don’t 
happen to have heard of him, I suppose, do you? ” 

Captain Granet looked doubtful. 

44 Can’t remember that I have,” he replied. 
44 They’ve been awfully clever, those fellows, though. 
The last few nights before our little scrap they 
knew exactly what time our relief parties came 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 43 

along. Several times we changed the hour. No use ! 
They were on to us just the same.” 

Major Thomson nodded. 

“ Well,” he continued, 44 I happened to catch sight 
of a man who exactly resembled the photograph 
which my friend the Provost-Marshal showed me, 
only a few minutes ago, and although I could not 
be sure of it, I fancied that he entered this building. 
It occurred to me that he might be paying a call 
upon you.” 

Granet shook his head slowly. His eyebrows were 
just a little upraised. 

46 Upon me? ” he repeated. 

44 He is an exceedingly plausible fellow,” Thomson 
explained, 44 and as you are just back from the 
Front, and brought dispatches, he might very pos- 
sibly regard you as a likely victim.” 

44 Can’t make bricks without straw,” Granet 
laughed, 44 and I know no more about the campaign 
than my two eyes have seen. I was saying only 
yesterday that, unless you have a staff billet, it’s 
wonderful how little the ordinary soldier picks up as 
to what is going on. As a matter of fact, though,” 
he went On, twisting the fox terrier’s ear a little, 44 no 
one has called here at all except yourself, during the 
last hour or two. There aren’t many of my pals 
know I’m back yet.” 

44 Are there many other people living in the build- 
ing? ” Major Thomson asked. 

44 The ground-floor here,” the other replied, 44 be- 
longs to a prosperous cigarette manufacturer who 
lives himself upon the first floor. This is the second. 


44 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

and above us are nothing but the servants’ quarters. 
I should think,” he concluded thoughtfully, 44 that 
you must have been mistaken about the fellow turn- 
ing in here at all.” 

Thomson nodded. 

44 Very likely,” he admitted. 44 It was just a 
chance, any way.” 

44 By-the-bye,” Granet inquired curiously, looking 
up from the dog, 44 how did you know that I roomed 
here? ” 

44 1 happened to see you come in, or was it go out, 
the other day — I can’t remember which,” Major 
Thomson replied. 

The telephone upon the table tinkled out a sum- 
mons. Granet crossed the room and held the re- 
ceiver to his ear. 

44 This is Captain Granet speaking,” he said. 
44 Who are you, please? ” 

The reply seemed to surprise him. He glanced 
across at his visitor. 

44 1 shall be delighted,” he answered into the in- 
strument. 44 It is really very kind of you. . . . 
About a quarter past eight? . . . Certainly! You’ll 
excuse my not being able to get into mufti, won’t 
you? . . . Ever so many thanks. . . . Good-bye!” 

He laid down the receiver and turned to Thomson. 

44 Rather a coincidence,” he observed. 44 Seems I 
am going to see you to-night at dinner. That was 
Miss Geraldine Conyers who just rang up — asked 
me if I’d like to meet her brother again before he 
goes off. He is spending the afternoon at the Ad- 
miralty and sho thought I might be interested.” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 45 

Major Thomson’s face was expressionless and his 
murmured word non-committal. Granet had ap- 
proached the dark mahogany sideboard and was 
fingering some bottles. 

44 Let me mix you a cocktail,” he suggested. 44 By 
Jove! that fellow Conyers would be the fellow for 
your American chaplain to get hold of. If he is 
spending the afternoon down at the Admiralty, he’ll 
have all the latest tips about how they mean to deal 
with the submarines. I hear there are at least three 
or four new inventions which they are keeping dark. 
You like yours dry, I suppose? ” 

Thomson had risen to his feet and leaned forward 
towards the mirror for a moment to straighten his 
tie. When he turned around, he glanced at the col- 
lection of bottles which Granet had been handling. 

44 I am really very sorry,” he said. 44 1 did not 
mean to put you to this trouble. I never drink cock- 
tails.” 

Granet paused in shaking the silver receptacle, 
and laid it down. 

44 Have a whisky and soda instead? ” 

Thomson shook his head. 

44 If you will excuse me,” he said, 44 1 will drink 
your health at dinner-time. I have no doubt that 
your cocktails are excellent but I never seem to have 
acquired the habit. What do you put in them? ” 

44 Oh! just both sorts of vermouth and gin, and 
a dash of something to give it a flavour,” Granet 
explained carelessly. 

Thomson touched a small black bottle, smelt it and 
put it down. 


46 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

“ What’s that ? ” he asked. 

“ A mixture of absinthe and some West Indian 
bitters,” Granet replied. “ A chap who often goes 
to the States brought it back for me. Gives a cock- 
tail the real Yankee twang, he says.” 

Thomson nodded slowly. 

“ Rather a curious odour,” he remarked. “We 
shall meet again, then, Captain Granet.” 

They walked towards the door. Granet held it 
open, leaning upon his stick. 

“ Many times, I trust,” he observed politely. 

There was a second’s pause. His right hand was 
half extended but his departing guest seemed not to 
notice the fact. He merely nodded and put on his 
hat. 

“ It is a small world,” he said, “ especially, al- 
though it sounds paradoxical, in the big places.” 

He passed out. Granet listened to the sound of 
his retreating footsteps with a frown upon his fore- 
head. Then he came back and stood for a moment 
upon the rug in front of the fire, deep in thought. 
The fox terrier played unnoticed about his feet. 
His face seemed suddenly to have become older and 
more thoughtful. He glanced at the card which 
Thomson had left upon the sideboard. 

“ Surgeon-Major Thomson,” he repeated quietly 
to himself. 66 1 wonder ! ” 

Thomson walked slowly to the end of Sackville 
Street, crossed the road and made his way to the 
Ritz Hotel. He addressed himself to the head clerk 
of the reception counter. 

“I am Surgeon-Major Thomson,” he announced. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 47 

44 I was lunching here to-day and attended one of 
the waiters who was taken ill afterwards. I should 
be very glad to know if I can see him for a few mo- 
ments.” 

The man bowed politely. 

44 I remember you quite well, sir,” he said. 44 A 
Belgian waiter, was it not? He has been taken away 
by a lady this afternoon.” 

44 Taken away? ” Thomson repeated, puzzled. 

44 The lady who was giving the luncheon — Lady 
Anselman — called and saw the manager about an 
hour ago,” the man explained. 44 She has interested 
herself very much in the matter of Belgian refugees 
and is entertaining a great many of them at a house 
of hers near the seaside. The man is really not fit 
to work, so we were very glad indeed to pass him on 
to her.” 

44 He recovered consciousness before he was re- 
moved, I suppose?” Thomson' inquired. 

44 I believe so, sir. He seemed very weak and ill, 
though. In fact he had to be carried to the auto- 
mobile.” 

44 1 suppose he didn’t give any reason for his sud- 
den attack? ” 

44 None that I am aware of, sir.” 

Thomson stood for a moment deep in thought, 
then he turned away from the desk. 

44 Thank you very much indeed,” he said to the 
clerk. 44 The man’s case rather interested me. I 
think I shall ask Lady Anselman to allow me to visit 
him. Where did you say the house was? ” 

44 Her ladyship did not mention the exact local- 


48 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


ity,” the man replied. u I believe, however, that it 
is near the Isle of Wight.” 

“ A most suitable neighbourhood,” Major Thom- 
son murmured, 4.s he turned away from the hotel. 


CHAPTER VII 


“ I wonder why you don’t like Captain Granet P ” 
Geraldine asked her fiance, as they stood in the 
drawing-room waiting for dinner. 

44 Not like him?” Thomson repeated. 44 Have I 
really given you that impression, Geraldine?” 

The girl nodded. 

44 Perhaps I ought not to say that, though,” she 
confessed. 44 You are never particularly enthusiastic 
about people, are you? ” 

One of his very rare smiles transfigured his face. 
He leaned a little towards her. 

44 Not about many people, Geraldine,” he whis- 
pered. 

She made a charming little grimace but a moment 
afterwards she was serious again. 

44 But really,” she continued, 44 to me Captain 
Granet seems just the type of young Englishman 
who is going to save the country. He is a keen 
soldier, clever, modest, and a wonderful sportsman. 
I can’t think what there is about him for any one 
to dislike.” 

Major Thomson glanced across the room. In a 
way, he and the man whom he felt instinctively was 
in some sense of the word his rival, even though an 


50 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

undeclared one, were of exactly opposite types. 
Granet was the centre of a little group of people 
who all seemed to be hanging upon his conversation. 
He was full of high spirits and humour, debonair, 
with all the obvious claims to popularity. Thomson, 
on the other hand, although good-looking, even dis- 
tinguished in his way, was almost too slim and pale. 
His face was more the face of a scholar than of one 
interested in or anxious to shine in the social side 
of life. His manners and his speech were alike re- 
served, his air of breeding was apparent, but he had 
not the natural ease or charm which was making 
Granet, even in those few minutes, persona grata 
with Geraldine’s mother and a little circle of newly- 
arrived guests. 

“ At least I appreciate your point of view,” Major 
Thomson admitted, with a faint sigh. 

“ Don’t be such a dear old stick,” Geraldine 
laughed. “ I want you to like him because I find 
him so interesting. You see, as he gets to know one 
a little better he doesn’t seem to mind talking about 
the war. You others will scarcely say a word of 
what you have seen or of what is being done out 
there. I like to be told things by people who have 
actually seen them. He happened to be ten minutes 
early this evening and he gave me a most fascinating 
description of some skirmishing near La Bassee.” 

“ You must remember,” Thomson told her, “ that 
personally I do not, in an ordinary way, see a great 
deal of fighting until the whole show is over. It may 
be a fine enough panorama when an attack is actually 
taking place, but there is nothing very inspiring in 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 51 

the modern battlefield when the living have passed 
away from it.” 

Geraldine shivered for a moment. 

44 Really, I almost wish that you were a soldier, 
too,” she declared. 44 Your work seems to me so 
horribly gruesome. Come along, you know you are 
going to take me in to dinner. Think of something 
nice to say. I really want to be amused.” 

44 I will make a suggestion, then,” he remarked as 
they took their places. 44 I don’t know whether you 
will find it amusing, though. Why shouldn’t we do 
like so many of our friends, and get married? ” 

She stared at him for a moment. Then she 
laughed heartily. 

44 Hugh,” she exclaimed, 44 1 can see through you ! 
You’ve suddenly realised that this is your chance to 
escape a ceremony and a reception, and all that sort 
of thing. I call it a most cowardly suggestion.” 

44 It rather appeals to me,” he persisted. 44 It may 
be,” he added, dropping his voice a little, 44 because 
you are looking particularly charming this evening, 
or it may be — ” 

She looked at him curiously. 

44 Go on, please,” she murmured. 

44 Or it may be,” he repeated, 44 a man’s desire to 
be absolutely sure of the thing he wants more than 
anything else in the world.” 

There was a moment’s silence. As though by some 
curious instinct which they both shared, they glanced 
across the table to where Granet had become the 
centre of a little babble of animated conversation. 
Geraldine averted her eyes almost at once, and looked 


52 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


down at her plate. There was a shade of uneasiness 
in her manner. 

64 You sound very serious, Hugh,” she observed. 

44 That is rather a failing of mine, isn’t it?” he 
replied. 44 At any rate, I am very much in earnest.” 

There was another brief silence, during which 
Geraldine was addressed by her neighbour on the 
other side. Thomson, who was watching her closely, 
fancied that she accepted almost eagerly the oppor- 
tunity of diversion. It was not until dinner was al- 
most over that she abandoned a conversation into 
which she had thrown herself with spirit. 

44 My little suggestion,” Thomson reminded her, 
44 remains unanswered.” 

She looked down at her plate. 

44 1 don’t think you are really in earnest,” she said. 

44 Am I usually a farceur ? ” he replied. 44 1 think 
that my tendencies are rather the other way. I 
really mean it, Gerald. Shall we talk about it later 
on this evening? ” 

44 If you like,” she agreed simply, 44 but somehow 
I believe that I would rather wait. Look at 
mother’s eye, roving around the table. Give me my 
gloves, please, Hugh. Don’t be long.” 

Thomson moved his chair next to his host’s. 
Geraldine’s father, Admiral Sir Seymour Conyers, 
was a very garrulous old gentleman with fixed 
ideas about everything, a little deaf and exceedingly 
fond of conversation. He proceeded to give his 
prospective son-in-law a detailed lecture concerning 
the mismanagement of the field hospitals at the 
front, and having disposed of that subject, he 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 53 

opened a broadside attack upon the Admiralty. The 
rest of the men showed indications of breaking into 
little groups. Ralph Conyers and Granet were sit- 
ting side by side, engrossed in conversation. More 
than once Thomson glanced towards them. 

44 Wish I understood more about naval affairs,” 
Granet sighed. 44 I’m a perfect ass at any one’s 
job but my own. I can’t see how you can deal with 
submarines at all. The beggars can stay under the 
water as long as they like, they just pop up and 
show their heads, and if they don’t like the look of 
anything near, down they go again. I don’t see 
how you can get at them, any way.” 

The young sailor smiled in a somewhat superior 
manner. 

44 We’ve a few ideas left still which the Germans 
haven’t mopped up,” he declared. 

44 Personally,” the Admiral observed, joining in 
the conversation, 44 1 consider the submarine danger 
the greatest to which this country has yet been ex- 
posed. No one but a nation of pirates, of ferocious 
and conscienceless Huns, could have inaugurated 
such a campaign.” 

44 Good for you, dad ! ” his son exclaimed. 
44 They’re a rotten lot of beggars, of course, al- 
though some of them have behaved rather decently. 
There’s one thing,” he added, sipping his port, 
44 there isn’t a job in the world I’d sooner take on 
than submarine hunting.” 

44 Every one to his taste,” Granet remarked good- 
humouredly. 44 Give me my own company at my 
back, my artillery well posted, my reserves in posi- 


54 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

tion, the enemy not too strongly entrenched, and 
our dear old Colonel’s voice shouting 4 At them, 
boys ! ’ That’s my idea of a scrap.” 

There was a little murmur of sympathy. Ralph 
Conyers, however, his cigar in the corner of his 
mouth, smiled imperturbably. 

64 Sounds all right,” he admitted, 44 but for sheer 
excitement give me a misty morning, the bows of a 
forty-knot destroyer cutting the sea into diamonds, 
decks cleared for action, and old Dick in oilskins on 
the salute — 4 Enemy’s submarine, sir, on the port 
bow, sir.’ ” 

44 And what would you do then ? ” Granet asked. 

44 See page seven Admiralty instructions this af- 
ternoon,” the other replied, smiling. 44 We’re not 
taking it sitting down, I can tell you.” 

The Admiral rose and pushed back his chair. 

44 1 think,” he said, 44 if you are quite sure, all of 
you, that you will take no more port, we should 
join the ladies.” 

They trooped out of the room together. Thomson 
kept close behind Ralph Conyers and Captain Gra- 
net, who were talking no more of submarines, how- 
ever, but of the last ballet at the Empire. Geraldine 
came towards them as they entered the drawing- 
room. 

44 Hugh,” she begged, passing her arm through 
his, 44 would you mind playing bridge? The Mulli- 
ners are going on, and mother does miss her rubber 
so. And we can talk afterwards, if you like,” she 
added. 

Thomson glanced across the room to where Granet 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 55 

was chatting with some other guests. Young Con- 
yers for the moment was nowhere to be seen. 

“ I’ll play, with pleasure, Geraldine,” he assented, 
44 but I want to have a word with Ralph first.” 

66 He’s at the telephone,” she said. 44 The Admi- 
ralty rang up about something and he is talking to 
them. I’ll tell him, if you like, when he comes up.” 

44 If you’ll do that,” Thomson promised, 44 1 won’t 
keep him a minute.” 

The little party settled down to their game — 
Lady Conyers, Sir Charles Hankins, — a celebrated 
lawyer, — another man and Thomson. Geraldine, 
with Olive Moreton and Captain Granet, found a 
sofa in a remote corner of the room and the trio 
were apparently talking nonsense with great suc- 
cess. Presently Ralph reappeared and joined them. 

44 Hugh wants to speak to you,” Geraldine told 
him. 

Ralph glanced at the little bridge-table and made 
a grimace. 

44 Hugh can wait,” he declared, as he passed his 
arm through Olive’s. 44 This is my last night on 
shore for heaven knows how long and I am going 
to take Olive off to see my photographs of the 4 Scor- 
pion.’ Old Wilcock handed them to me out of his 
drawer this afternoon.” 

The two young people disappeared. Captain 
Granet and Geraldine remained upon the couch, talk- 
ing in low voices. Once Thomson, when he was 
dummy, crossed the room and approached them. 
Their conversation was suddenly suspended. 

44 1 told Ralph,” Geraldine said, looking up, 44 that 


56 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

you wanted to speak to him, but he and Olive have 
gone off somewhere. By-the-bye, Hugh,” she went 
on curiously, 44 you didn’t tell me that you’d called 
on Captain Granet this evening.” 

44 Well, it wasn’t a matter of vital importance, 
was it ? ” he answered, smiling. 44 My call, in any 
case, arose from an accident.” 

“Major Thomson,” came a voice from the other 
side of the room, 44 it is your deal.” 

Thomson returned obediently to the bridge-table. 
The rubber was over a few minutes later and the 
little party broke up. Thomson glanced around 
but the room was empty. 

44 1 think, if I may,” he said, 44 I’ll go into the 
morning room and have a whisky and soda. I dare 
say I’ll find the Admiral there.” 

He took his leave of the others and made his way 
to the bachelor rooms at the back of the house. He 
looked first into the little apartment which Geraldine 
claimed for her own, but found it empty. He passed 
on into the smoking-room and found all four of the 
young people gathered around the table. They 
were so absorbed that they did not even notice his 
entrance. BLalph, with a sheet of paper stretched 
out before him and a pencil in his hand, was appar- 
ently sketching something. B 3 7 his side was Granet. 
The two girls, with arms interlocked, were watching 
intently. 

44 You see,” Ralph Conyers explained, drawing 
back for a moment to look at the result of his la- 
bours, 44 this scheme, properly worked out, can keep 
a channel route such as the Folkestone to Boulogne 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 57 

one, for instance, perfectly safe. Those black marks 
are floats, and the nets — ” 

44 One moment, Ralph,” Thomson interrupted from 
the background. 

They all started and turned their heads. Thom- 
son drew a step nearer and his hand fell upon the 
paper. There was a queer look in his face which 
Geraldine was beginning to recognise. 

66 Ralph, old fellow,” he said, 44 don’t think me too 
much of an interfering beggar, will you? I don’t 
think even to your dearest friend, not to the girl 
you are going to marry, to me, or to your own 
mother, would I finish that little drawing and de- 
scription, if I were you.” 

They all stared at him. Granet’s face was ex- 
pressionless, the girls w T ere bewildered, Ralph was 
frowning. 

44 Dash it all, Hugh,” he expostulated, 44 do have 
a little common sense. Here’s a fellow like Granet, 
a keen soldier and one of the best, doing all he can 
for us on land but a bit worried about our subma- 
rine danger. Why shouldn’t I try and reassure 
him, eh? — let him see that we’ve a few little things 
up our sleeves? ” 

44 That sounds all right, Ralph,” Thomson agreed, 
44 but you’re departing from a principle, and I 
wouldn’t do it. It isn’t a personal risk you’re run- 
ning, or a personal secret you’re sharing with others. 
It may sound absurd under the present circum- 
stances, I know, but — ” 

Granet laughed lightly. His arm fell upon the 
young sailor’s shoulder. 


58 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 Perhaps Thomson’s right, Conyers,” he inter- 
vened. 44 You keep your old scheme at the back of 
your head. We’ll know all about it when the history 
of the war’s written. There’s always the thousand 
to one chance, you know. I might get brain fever 
in a German hospital and begin to babble. Tear it 
up, old fellow.” 

There was a moment’s silence. Geraldine turned 
to Thomson. 

44 Hugh,” she protested, 44 don’t you think you’re 
carrying principle almost too far? It’s so fearfully 
interesting for us when Ralph’s at sea, and we wait 
day by day for news from him, to understand a little 
what he’s doing.” 

“ I think you’re a horrid nuisance, Major Thom- 
son,” Olive grumbled. 44 We’d just reached the ex- 
citing part.” 

64 1 am sorry,” Thomson said, 44 but I think, Ralph, 
you had better do what Captain Granet suggested.” 

The young man shrugged his shoulders, his face 
was a little sulky. He ;took the plan up and tore it 
into pieces. 

44 If you weren’t my prospective brother-in-law, 
you know, Thomson,” he exclaimed, 44 1 should call 
your interference damned cheek ! After all, you 
know, you’re only a civilian, and you can’t be ex- 
pected to understand these things.” 

Thomson was silent for a moment. He read in 
the others’ faces their sympathy with the young 
sailor’s complaint. He moved towards the door. 

44 1 am sorry,” he said simply. 44 Good night, 
everybody ! ” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 59 

They all wished him good-night — nobody stirred. 
He walked slowly into the front hall, waited for a 
moment and then accepted his coat and hat from a 
servant. Lady Conyers waved to him from the 
staircase. 

“Where’s Geraldine?” she asked. 

Thomson turned away. 

“ They are all in the smoking-room, Lady Con- 
yers,” he said. “ Good night ! ” 


CHAPTER VIII 


In a way, their meeting the next morning was for- 
tuitous enough, yet it had also its significance for 
both of them. Geraldine’s greeting was almost 
studiously formal. 

44 You are not going to scold me for my memory, 
are you? ” Captain Granet asked, looking down at 
her with a faintly humourous uplifting of the eye- 
brows. 64 1 must have exercise, you know.” 

44 I don’t even remember telling you that I came 
into the Park in the mornings,” Geraldine replied. 

44 You didn’t — that is to say you didn’t mention 
the Park particularly,” he admitted. 44 You told 
me you always took these five dogs out for a walk 
directly after breakfast, and for the rest I used my 
intelligence.” 

44 I might have gone into Regent’s Park or St. 
James’s Park,” she reminded him. 

44 In which case,” he observed, 44 1 should have 
walked up and down until I had had enough of it, 
and then gone away in a bad temper.” 

44 Don’t be foolish,” she laughed. 44 1 decline ab- 
solutely to believe that you had a single thought of 
me when you turned in here. Do you mind if I say 
that I prefer not to believe it? ” 

He accepted the reproof gracefully. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 61 

“ Well, since we do happen to have met,” he sug- 
gested, 44 might I walk with you a little way? You 
see,” he went on, 44 it’s rather dull hobbling along 
here all alone.” 

44 Of course you may, if you like,” she assented, 
glancing sympathetically at his stick. 44 How is 
your leg getting on ? ” 

44 It’s better — getting on finely. So far as my 
leg is concerned, I believe I shall be fit to go out 
again within ten days. It’s my arm that bothers me 
a little. One of the nerves, the doctor said, must be 
wrong. I can only just lift it. You’ve no idea,” he 
went on, 44 how a game leg and a trussed-up arm in- 
terfere with the little round of one’s daily life. I 
can’t ride, can’t play golf or billiards, and for an 
unintelligent chap like me,” he wound up with a sigh, 
44 there aren’t a great many other ways of passing 
the time.” 

44 Why do you call yourself unintelligent? ” she 
protested. 44 You couldn’t have got through your 
soldiering so well if you had been.” 

44 Oh ! I know all the soldier stuff,” he admitted, 
44 know my job, that is to say, all right, and of 
course I am moderately good at languages, but that 
finishes me. I haven’t any brains like your friend 
Thomson, for instance.” 

44 Major Thomson is very clever, I believe,” she, 
said a little coldly. 

44 And a little censorious, I am afraid,” Granet 
added with a slight grimace. 44 1 suppose he thinks 
I am a garrulous sort of ass but I really can’t see 
why he needed to go for your brother last night 


62 THE KINGDOM OF THE B* IND 

just because he was gratifying a very reasonable 
curiosity on my part. It isn’t as though I wasn’t 
in the Service. The Army and the Navy are the 
same thing, any way, and we are always glad to give 
a Navy man a hint as to how we are getting on.” 

“ I really couldn’t quite understand Major Thom- 
son myself,” she agreed. 

“May I ask — do you mind?” he began, — 
“ have you been engaged to him long? ” 

She looked away for a moment. Her tone, when 
she replied, was meant to convey some slight annoy- 
ance at the question. 

“ About three months.” 

Captain Granet kicked a pebble away from the 
path in front of him with his sound foot. 

“ I should think he must be a very good surgeon,” 
he remarked in a measured tone. “ Looks as though 
he had lots of nerve, and that sort of thing. To tell 
you the truth, though, he rather frightens me. I 
don’t think that he has much sympathy with my 
type.” 

She became a little more indulgent and smiled 
faintly as she looked at him. 

“ I wonder what your type is ? ” she asked re- 
flectively. 

“ Fairly obvious, I am afraid,” he confessed, with 
a sigh. “ I love my soldiering, of course, and I am 
ashamed to think how keen I have been on games, 
and should be still if I had the chance. Outside that 
I don’t read much, I am not musical, and I am very 
much predisposed to let the future look after itself. 
There are thousands just like me,” he continued 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 63 

thoughtfully. 64 We don’t do any particular harm 
in the world but I don’t suppose we do much good.” 

44 Don’t be silly,” she protested. 44 For one thing, 
it is splendid to be a capable soldier. You are just 
what the country wants to-day. But apart from 
that I am quite sure that you have brains.” 

44 Have I ? ” he murmured. 44 Perhaps it’s the in- 
centive I lack.” 

They were silent for a few moments. Then they 
began to talk more lightly. They discussed dogs 
and horses, their mutual friends, and their engage- 
ments for the next few days. They did not once 
refer to Thomson. Presently Geraldine paused to 
speak to some friends. Granet leaned upon his 
stick in the background and watched her. She was 
wearing a plain tailor made suit and a becoming 
little hat, from underneath which little wisps of 
golden hair had somehow detached themselves in a 
fascinating disorder. There was a delicate pink 
colour in her cheeks, the movements and lines of her 
body were all splendidly free and graceful. As she 
talked to her friends her eyes for the moment seemed 
to have lost their seriousness. Her youth had reas- 
serted itself — her youth and splendid physical 
health. He watched her eagerly, and some shadow 
seemed to pass from his own face — the shadow of 
his suffering or his pain. He, too, seemed to grow 
younger. The simplest and yet the most wonderful 
joy in life was thrilling him. At last she bade fare- 
well to her friends and came smiling towards him. 

44 1 am so sorry to have kept you all this time ! ” 
she exclaimed. 44 Lady Anne has just told me the 


64 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

time and I am horrified. I meant to walk here for 
an hour and we have been here for two. Stop that 
taxi for me, please. I cannot spare the time even 
to walk home.” 

He handed her into the cab and whistled for the 
dogs, who all scrambled in after her. 

“ Thanks so much for looking after a helpless 
cripple,” he said pleasantly, as they shook hands. 
“ You mustn’t grudge the time. Doing your duty 
to the country, you know.” 

He tactfully avoided any mention of a future 
meeting and was rewarded with a little wave of her 
hand from the window of the cab. He himself left 
the Park at the same time, strolled along Piccadilly 
as far as Sackville Street and let himself into his 
rooms. His servant came forward to meet him from 
the inner room, and took his cap and stick. 

“Any telephone messages, Jarvis?” 

“ Nothing, sir.” 

Granet moved towards the easy-chair. On the way 
he stopped. The door of one of the cupboards in 
the sideboard was half open. He frowned. 

“ Haven’t I told you, Jarvis, that I wish those 
cupboards kept locked? ” he asked a little curtly. 

The man was staring towards the sideboard in 
some surprise. 

“ I am very sorry, sir,” he said. “ I certainly 
believed that I locked it last night.” 

Granet opened it wide and looked inside. His 
first glance was careless enough, then his expression 
changed. He stared incredulously at the small array 
of bottles and turned swiftly around. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 65 

“ Have you moved anything from here? 99 

“ Certainly not, sir,” was the prompt reply. 

Granet closed the cupboard slowly. Then he 
walked to the window for a moment, his hands be- 
hind his back. 

“ Any one been here this morning at all, J ar- 
vis ? 99 he inquired. 

“ A man for the laundry, sir, and a person to test 
the electric light.” 

46 Left alone in the room at all ? ” 

44 The electric light man was here for a few min- 
utes, sir.” 

The master and servant exchanged quick glances. 
The latter was looking pale and nervous. 

44 Is anything missing, sir? 99 he asked. 

44 Yes ! 99 Granet replied. 44 Did you notice the 
gentleman who called last evening — Surgeon-Major 
Thomson ? ” 

44 Yes, sir!” 

44 You haven’t seen him since? He hasn’t been 
here? ” 

44 No, sir!” 

Granet stood, for a moment, thinking. The serv- 
ant remained motionless. The silence in the room 
was ominous ; so, also, was the strange look of dis- 
quietude in the two men’s faces. 

44 J arvis,” his master said at last, 44 remember 
this. I am not finding fault. I know you are al- 
ways careful. But from to-night be more vigilant 
than ever. There is a new hand in the game. He 
may not suspect us yet but he will. You under- 
stand, Jarvis?” 


66 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 Perfectly, sir.” 

The man withdrew noiselessly. Once more Gra- 
net walked to the window. He looked down for a 
few minutes at the passers-by but he saw nothing. 
Grave thoughts were gathering together in his mind. 
He was travelling along the road of horrors and at 
the further end of it a man stood waiting. He saw 
himself draw nearer and nearer to the meeting. His 
face unwittingly darkened, he clenched his fists. A 
name almost framed itself upon his lips, the name 
of the man whom he had grown to hate. 


i 


CHAPTER IX 


Considering the crowded state of the waiting-room 
and the number of highly important people who 
were there for the same purpose, Surgeon-Major 
Thomson seemed to have remarkably little difficulty 
in procuring the interview he desired. Pie was con- 
ducted by a boy scout into a room on the second 
floor of the War Office, within a few minutes of his 
arrival. A tall, grey-haired man in the uniform of 
a general looked up and nodded with an air of inti- 
macy as soon as the door had been closed. 

44 Sit down, Thomson. We’ve been expecting you. 
Any news ? ” 

44 I have come to you for that, sir,” the other 
replied. 

The General sighed. 

44 I am afraid you will be disappointed,” he said. 
44 1 received your report and I went to a certain offi- 
cial myself — saw him in his own house before break- 
fast this morning. I had reports of three other men 
occupying responsible positions in the city, Thom- 
son, against whom there was really tangible and seri- 
ous evidence. Our friend had the effrontery almost 
to laugh at me.” 

There was a little glitter in Thomson’s eyes. 


68 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 These damned civilians ! ” he murmured softly. 
44 They’ve done their best to ruin Great Britain by 
crabbing every sort of national service during the 
last ten years. They feed and pamper the vermin 
who are eating away the foundations of the country, 
and, damn it all, when we put a clear case to them, 
when we show them men whom we know to be dan- 
gerous, they laugh at us and tell us that it isn’t our 
department! They look upon us as amateurs and 
speak of Scotland Yard with bated breath. My 
God! If I had a free hand for ten minutes, there’d 
be two Cabinet Ministers eating bread and water in- 
stead of their dinners to-night.” 

The General raised his eyebrows. He knew Thom- 
son well enough to be aware how unusual such an 
ebullition of feeling on his part was. 

44 Got you a bit worked up, Major,” he remarked. 

44 Isn’t it enough to make any man’s blood boil? ” 
the other replied. 44 The country to-day looks to 
its army and its navy to save it from the humiliation 
these black-coated parasites have encouraged, and 
yet even now we haven’t a free hand. You and I, 
who control the secret service of the army, denounce 
certain men, upon no slight evidence, either, as spies, 
and we are laughed at! One of those very blatant 
idiots whose blundering is costing the country mil- 
lions of money and thousands of brave men, has still 
enough authority to treat our reports as so much 
waste paper.” 

44 1 am bound to say I agree with you, Thomson,” 
the General declared, a little hopelessly. 44 It’s the 
weakest spot of our whole organisation, this depend- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 69 

ing upon the civil powers. Two of my cases were 
absolutely flagrant. As regards yours, Thomson, I 
am not at all sure that we shouldn’t be well-advised 
to get just a little more evidence before we press the 
matter.” 

“ And meanwhile,” Thomson retorted bitterly, 
“ leave him a free hand to do what mischief he can. 
But for the merest accident in the world, the night 
before last he would have learnt our new scheme for 
keeping the Channel communication free from sub- 
marines.” 

The General frowned. 

44 Who’s been talking? ” he demanded. 

44 No one who is to be blamed,” Thomson replied. 
44 Can’t you realise the position? Here’s a fellow 
Service man, a soldier, a D. S. O., who has been spe- 
cially mentioned for bravery and who very nearly 
got the Victoria Cross, comes here with the halo of 
a brilliant escape from the Germans, wounded, a 
young man of good family and connections, and ap- 
parently as keen as mustard to get back again in 
the fighting line. Good Heavens ! The most careful 
sailor in the world might just drop a hint to that 
sort of man. What nearly happened last night may 
happen a dozen times within the next week. Even 
our great secret, General,” Thomson continued, 
dropping his voice a little, 44 even that might come 
to his ears.” 

The General was undoubtedly disturbed. He 
searched amongst the papers on his desk and 
brought out at last a flimsy half-sheet of notepaper 
which he studied carefully. 


70 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 Just read this, Thomson.” 

Thomson rose and looked over his shoulder. The 
letter was an autograph one of a few lines only, and 
dated from a village in the North of France — 

My dear Brice, 

This is a special request to you. Arrange it any way 
you please but don’t send me Captain Granet out again 
in any capacity. Keep him at home. Mind, I am not 
saying a word against him as a soldier. He has done 
some splendid work on more than one occasion, but not- 
withstanding this I do not wish to see him again with 
any of the forces under my command. 

Ever yours, 

F. 


44 Did you show this to our friend? ” Thomson in- 
quired. 

44 I gave him a digest of its contents,” the General 
replied. 44 He smiled in a supercilious manner and 
said I had better do as I was asked.” 

Thomson said nothing for a moment. His face 
was very set and he had the air of a man desperately 
but quietly angry. 

44 As a matter of fact,” General Brice continued, 
glancing at the clock on his desk, 44 Granet is in my 
anteroom at the present moment, I expect. He 
asked for an interview this afternoon.” 

44 Have him in, if you don’t mind,” the other sug- 
gested. 44 1 can sit at the empty desk over there. I 
can be making some calculations with reference to 
the number of hospital beds for each transport. I 
want to hear him talk to you.” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 71 

The General nodded and touched a bell. 

“ You can show Captain Granet in,” he told the 
boy scout who answered it. 

Thomson took his place in the far corner of the 
room and bent over a sheaf of papers. Presently 
Granet was ushered in. He was leaning a little less 
heavily upon his stick and he had taken his arm 
from the sling for a moment. He saluted the Gen- 
eral respectfully and glanced across the room 
towards where Thomson was at work. If he recog- 
nised him, however, he made no sign. 

44 Well, Granet,” the General inquired, 44 how are 
you getting on? ” 

46 Wonderfully, sir,” was the brisk reply. 44 1 have 
seen my own doctor this morning and he thinks I 
might come up before the Board on Saturday.” 

44 And what does that mean ? ” 

44 1 want to get back again, sir,” Granet replied 
eagerly. 

The General stroked his grey moustache and 
looked searchingly at the young officer. Pie was 
standing full in the light of a ray of sunshine which 
came streaming through the high, uncurtained win- 
dows. Although he was still a little haggard, his 
eyes were bright, his lips were parted in an antici- 
patory smile, his whole expression was engaging. 
General Brice, studying him closely, felt compelled 
to admit the improbability of his vague suspicions. 

44 That’s all very well, you know,” he reminded 
him quietly, 44 but you won’t be fit enough for active 
service for some time to come.” 

The young man’s face fell. 


72 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 I am sure they must be wanting me back, sir,” 
he said naively. 

The General shook his head. 

44 I don’t want to disappoint you, young fellow,” 
he continued, 44 but I heard from your Brigadier only 
yesterday. He has been obliged to fill up your place 
and I don’t think he has room for any one on his 
staff.” 

Granet looked a little hurt. 

44 I thought he might have made a temporary ap- 
pointment,” he said gloomily. 

44 This is no time to consider individuals,” the Gen- 
eral pointed out. 44 What about finding you a billet 
at home for a time, eh? You’ve seen a bit of the 
rough side of the war, you know.” 

44 I’d sooner go out and dig trenches ! ” 

Thomson had risen slowly from his place and, 
with a sheet of foolscap in his hand, closely covered 
with writing, crossed the room. 

44 You might get taken prisoner again, Captain 
Granet,” he remarked drily. 

There was a moment’s rather tense silence. The 
young man’s lips had come together, his eyes flashed. 

44 1 did not recognise you, Major Thomson,” he 
said calmly. 44 Have you found a new billet?” 

44 My old one is sufficiently absorbing just at pres- 
ent,” the other replied, laying his calculations on the 
General’s desk. 44 Forgive my interrupting you, sir, 
but you told me to let you have this as soon as I had 
finished. That is my estimate of the number of beds 
we could stow away in the cubic feet you offer us.” 

The General glanced at the paper and nodded. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 73 

“ Don’t go, Thomson,” he said. “ I’ll talk to you 
about this later on. Well, Captain Granet,” he 
added, 44 you’d better leave things in my hands. I’ll 
do the best I can for you.” 

“ I shall be very disappointed if I don’t get out 
to the Front again soon, sir,” the young man de- 
clared simply. 

“ I’ll do the best I can,” the General repeated, 
touching his bell. 

Granet was shown out and the door was closed. 
General Brice turned towards his companion. 

“ Thomson,” he said, “ frankly, I can’t believe it. 
However, we’ll find him a billet where he can’t pos- 
sibly do any mischief.” 

44 If you found him a billet where I should like to 
see him,” Surgeon-Major Thomson observed bitterly, 
44 he would never do any more mischief in this world ! 
Any dispatches for the Front, sir? ” 

General Brice raised his eyebrows. 

44 Are you off again ? ” he asked. 

44 1 am going to see that young man’s General,” 
Thomson replied. 44 1 shall cross over to-day and be 
back to-morrow night or Saturday morning.” 

General Brice nodded thoughtfully. 

44 Perhaps you are right,” he assented. 44 Yes, I 
shall have a few reports. You’d better let them 
know at the Admiralty, and what time you want to 
go over.” 

Surgeon-Major Thomson shook hands with the 
General and turned towards the door. 

44 When I come back,” he said, 44 1 hope I’ll be able 
to convince even you, sir.” 


CHAPTER X 


Surgeon-Major Thomson awoke about twelve 
hours later with a start. He had been sleeping so 
heavily that he was at first unable to remember his 
whereabouts. His mind moved sluggishly across the 
brief panorama of his hurried j ourney — the special 
train from Victoria to Folkestone; the destroyer 
which had brought him and a few other soldiers 
across the Channel, black with darkness, at a pace 
which made even the promenade deck impossible ; the 
landing at Boulogne, a hive of industry notwith- 
standing the darkness ; the clanking of waggons, the 
shrieking of locomotives, the jostling of crowds, the 
occasional flashing of an electric torch. And then 
the ride in the great automobile through the misty 
night. He rubbed his eyes and looked around him. 
A grey morning was breaking. The car had come to 
a standstill before a white gate, in front of which 
was stationed a British soldier, with drawn bayonet. 
Surgeon-Major Thomson pulled himself together and 
answered the challenge. 

“ A friend,” he answered, — “Surgeon-Major 
Thomson, on his Majesty’s service.” 

He leaned from the car for a moment and held out 
something in the hollow of his hand. The man 
saluted and drew back. The car went on along a 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 75 

rough road which led across a great stretch of pas- 
tureland. On the ridge of the hills on his right, 
little groups of men were at work unlimbering guns. 
Once or twice, with a queer, screeching sound, a 
shell, like a little puff of white smoke, passed high 
over the car and fell somewhere in the grey valley 
below. In the distance he could see the movements 
of a body of troops through the trees, soldiers on 
the way to relieve their comrades in the trenches. 
As the morning broke, the trenches themselves came 
into view — long, zig-zag lines, silent, and with no 
sign of the men who crawled about inside like ants. 
He passed a great brewery transformed into a can- 
teen, from which a line of waggons, going and re- 
turning, were passing all the time backwards and 
forwards into the valley. Every now and then 
through the stillness came the sharp crack of a rifle 
from the snipers lying hidden in the little stretches 
of woodland and marshland away on the right. A 
motor-omnibus, with its advertisement signs still dis- 
played but a great red cross floating above it, came 
rocking down the road on its way to the field hospi- 
tal in the distance. As yet, however, the business of 
fighting seemed scarcely to have commenced. 

They passed several small houses and farms, in 
front of each of which was stationed a sentry. 
Once, from the hills behind, a great white-winged 
aeroplane glided over his head on its way to make a 
reconnaissance. Queerest sight of all, here and 
there were peasants at work in the fields. One old 
man leaned upon his spade and watched as the car 
passed. Not a dozen yards from him was a great 


76 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

hole in the ground where a shell had burst, and a 
little further away a barn in ruins. The car was 
forced to stop here to let a cavalcade of ammunition 
waggons pass by. Surgeon-Major Thomson leaned 
from his seat and spoke to the old man. 

“ You are not afraid of the German shells, then? ” 
he asked. 

“ Monsieur,” the old man answered, “ one must 
live or die — it does not matter which. For the 
rest, if one is to live, one must eat. Therefore I 
work. Four sons I have and a nephew away yon- 
der,” he added, waving his hand southwards. “ That 
is why I dig alone. Why do you not send us more 
soldiers, Monsieur P Anglais ? ” 

“ Wait but a little time longer,” Thomson an- 
swered cheerfully. 

The old man looked sadly at his ruined bam. 

“ It is always 4 wait,’ ” he muttered, “ and one 
grows old and tired. Bon jour, monsieur ! ” 

The car passed on again and suddenly dropped 
into a little protected valley. They came to a 
standstill before a tiny chateau, in front of which 
stretched what might once have been an ornamental 
garden, but which was now torn to pieces by gun 
carriages, convoy waggons, and every description of 
vehicle. From the top of the house stretched many 
wires. A sentry stood at the iron gates and passed 
Major Thomson after a perfunctory challenge. An 
officer with mud-stained boots and wind-tossed hair, 
who looked as though he had been out all night, 
stood on the steps of the house and welcomed Thom- 
son. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 77 

“Hullo, Major,” he called out, “just across, 
eh? ” 

“ This moment,” Thomson assented. “ Anything 
fresh? ” 

“ Nothing to speak of,” the other replied. 
“We’ve just had a message in that the French 
have been giving them a knock. We’ve had a quiet 
time the last two days. They’re bringing up some 
more Bavarians, we think.” 

“ Do you think I could have a few words with the 
General? ” Major Thomson asked. 

“ Come in and have some coffee. Yes, he’ll see 
you, of course. He is in his own room with two of 
the flying men, just for the moment. I’ll let you 
know when you can go in.” 

They passed into an apartment which had once 
been the dining-room of the chateau, and in which 
a long table was laid. One or two staff officers 
greeted Thomson, and the man who had brought him 
in attended to his wants. 

“ The General had his breakfast an hour ago,” 
the latter observed. “ We’re pretty well forward 
here and we have to keep on the qui vive. We got 
some shells yesterday dropped within a quarter of 
a mile of us. I think we’re going to try and give 
them a push back on the left flank. I’ll go in and 
see about you, Thomson.” 

“Good fellow! You might tell them to give my 
chauffeur something. The destroyer that brought 
me over is waiting at Boulogne, and I want to be in 
London to-night.” 


78 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


One of the officers from the other side of the table, 
smiled queerly. 

“London! My God!” he muttered. “There is 
still a London, I suppose? Savoy and Carlton go- 
ing still ? Pall Mall where it was ? ” 

“ And very much as it was,” Thomson assured 
him. “ London’s wonderfully unchanged. You been 
out long? ” 

“ September the second,” was the cheerful reply. 
“ I keep on getting promised a week but I can’t 
bring it off.” 

“ He’s such a nut with the telephones,” the man 
by his side explained, helping himself to marmalade. 
“ The General positively can’t spare him.” 

“ Oh, chuck it ! ” the other exclaimed in disgust. 
“ What about you ? — the only man with an eye to 
a Heaven-ordained gun position, as old Wattles de- 
clared one day. We’re all living wonders, Major,” 
he went on, turning to Thomson, “ but if I don’t get 
a Sole Colbert and a grill at the Savoy, and a front 
seat at the Alhambra, before many weeks have 
passed, I shall get stale — that’s what’ll happen to 
me.” 

“ Hope you’ll have your hair cut before you go 
back,” a man from the other end of the table re- 
marked. “ Your own mother wouldn’t know you like 
that — much less your sweetheart.” 

The young man fingered his locks reflectively. 

“ Chap who was going to cut it for me got shot 
yesterday,” he grumbled. “ Anything doing as you 
came over the ridge, Major? ” 

Thomson shook his head. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 79 

44 One aeroplane and a few shells.” 

44 That would be Johnny Oates going out in his 
Bleriot,” some one remarked. 44 He’ll be back here 
before long with a report.” 

The officer who had met Thomson in the garden, 
re-entered the room. 

44 General says he’ll see you at once,” he an- 
nounced. 

Thomson followed his guide into a small back 
room. An officer was seated before a desk, writing, 
another was shouting down a telephone, and a third 
was making some measurements upon a large Ord- 
nance map nailed upon one of the walls. The Gen- 
eral was standing with his back to the fire and a 
pipe in his mouth. He nodded cheerily to Thomson. 

44 When did you leave London ? ” he asked. 

44 Nine o’clock last evening, sir,” Thomson re- 
plied. 44 Rather a record trip. We had a special 
down and a destroyer over.” 

44 And I’m to tell you what you want to know,” the 
General continued, glancing at a document in his 
hand. 44 Well, close the door, Harewood. Out with 
it?” 

44 It’s about Captain Granet of Harrison’s staff,” 
Thomson began. 

The General frowned and knocked the ashes from 
his pipe. 

44 Well,” he asked, 44 what is it?” 

44 We’ve reasons of our own for wishing to know 
exactly what you meant by asking the War Office 
not to send him back again,” Thomson continued. 

The General hesitated. 


80 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


44 Well, what are they? ” 

44 They are a little intangible, sir,” Thomson con- 
fessed, 44 but exceedingly important. Without any 
direct evidence, I have come to the conclusion that 
Captain Granet is a mysterious person and needs 
watching. As usual, we are in trouble with the civil 
authorities, and, to be frank with you, I am trying 
to strengthen my case.” 

The General shrugged his shoulders. 

44 Very well,” he decided, 44 under the circum- 
stances you have the right to know what my mes- 
sage meant. We sent Granet back because of a sus- 
picion which may be altogether unjustifiable. The 
suspicion was there, however, and it was sufficiently 
strong for me to make up my mind that I should 
prefer not to have him back again. Now you shall 
know the facts very briefly. Granet was taken pris- 
oner twice. No one saw him taken — as a matter of 
fact, both of the affairs were night attacks. He 
seemed suddenly to disappear — got too far ahead 
of his men, was his explanation. All I can say is 
that he was luckier than most of them. Anything 
wandering about loose in a British uniform — but 
there, I won’t go on with that. He came back each 
time with information as to what he had seen. Each 
time w T e planned an attack on the strength of that 
information. Each time that information proved to 
be misleading and our attack failed, costing us 
heavy losses. Of course, dispositions might have 
been changed since his observations were made, but 
there the fact remains. Further,” the General con- 
tinued, filling his pipe slowiy and pressing in the 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 81 

tobacco, 44 on the second occasion we had four hun- 
dred men thrown forward into the village of Ossray. 
They were moved in the pitch darkness, and silently. 
It was impossible for any word of their presence in 
Ossray to have been known to the Germans. Yet the 
night of Granet’s capture the village was shelled, and 
those who escaped were cut off and made prisoners. 
Follow me, Major? ” 

46 Yes, sir ! ” Thomson acquiesced. 

44 Those are just the facts,” the General con- 
cluded. 44 Now on the other hand, Granet has han- 
dled his men well, shown great personal bravery, and 
has all the appearance of a keen soldier. I hate to 
do him a wrong even in my thoughts but there were 
others besides myself to whom these coincidences 
seemed amazing. We simply decided that they’d 
better give Granet a billet at home. That’s the rea- 
son of my message.” 

44 1 am very much obliged to you, sir,” Thomson 
said slowly. 44 You have given me exactly the infor- 
mation which we desire.” 

The General was called away for a moment to give 
some instructions to the young officer who was sit- 
ting in a distant corner of the room with a telephone 
band around his head. He signed to Thomson, how- 
ever, to remain. 

44 Now that I have gratified your curiosity,” he 
said, when he returned, 44 perhaps you will gratify 
mine? Will you tell me just how you over in Eng- 
land have come to have suspicions of this man ? ” 

44 That,” Thomson explained, 44 is almost a per- 
sonal matter with me. Three months ago I spent 


82 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


the night with the Third Army Corps up by Niemen. 
I was there on other business, as you may imagine, 
but there was some hot fighting and I went out to 
help. I was attending to some of our fellows and 
got very near to the German lines. I became sepa- 
rated from the others a little and was groping about 
when I heard voices talking German within a few 
feet of me. I couldn’t hear what they said but I 
could just distinguish two figures. One of them 
made off towards the German lines. The other, 
after standing still for a moment, came in my direc- 
tion. I took out my revolver, and to tell you the 
truth I very nearly fired on sight, for it would have 
been an exceedingly awkward matter for me to have 
been taken prisoner just then. Just as my finger 
was on the trigger, I became conscious that the man 
who was approaching was humming 4 Tipperary.’ 
I flashed my light on his face and saw at once that 
he was a British officer. He addressed me quickly in 
German. I answered him in English. I fancied for 
a moment that he seemed annoyed. 6 We’d better 
get out of this,’ he whispered. 4 We’re within a hun- 
dred yards of the German trenches and they are 
bringing searchlights up.’ 4 Who were you talking 
to just now? ’ I asked, as we stole along. 4 No one 
at all,’ he answered. I didn’t t^ke the thing seri- 
ously for the moment, although it seemed to me 
queer. Afterwards I regretted, however, that I 
hadn’t set myself to discover the meaning of what 
was apparently a deliberate lie. The next time I 
met Granet was at a luncheon party at the Ritz, a 
few days ago. I recognised his face at once, al- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 83 


though I had only seen it by the flash of my electric 
lamp. From that moment I have had my suspicions.’* 

The General nodded. He was looking a little 
grave. 

66 It’s a hateful thing to believe,” he said, “ that 
any one wearing his Majesty’s uniform could ever 
play such a dastardly part. However, on the whole 
I am rather glad that I passed in that request to 
the War Office. Anything more we can do for you, 
Major? ” 

Thomson took the hint and departed. A few min- 
utes later he was in his car and on his way back to 
Boulogne. 


CHAPTER XI 


Olive Moreton gave a little start as the long, grey, 
racing car came noiselessly to a standstill by the side 
of the kerbstone. Captain Granet raised his hat and 
leaned from the driving seat towards her. 

“Hope I didn’t frighten you, Miss Moreton? ” 

“ Not at all,” she replied. “ What a perfectly 
lovely car ! ” 

He assented eagerly. 

“ Isn’t she ! My uncle’s present to me to pass 
away the time until I can do some more soldiering. 
They only brought it round to me early this morn- 
ing. Can I take you anywhere ? ” 

“ I was just going to see Geraldine Conyers,” she 
began. 

“ Do you know, I guessed that,” he remarked, 
leaning on one side and opening the door. “ Do let 
me take you. I haven’t had a passenger yet.” 

She stepped in at once. 

“ As a matter of fact,” she told him, “ I was look- 
ing for a taxicab. I have had a telegram from 
Ralph. He wants us to go down to Portsmouth by 
the first train we can catch this morning. He says 
that if we can get down there in time to have lunch 
at two o’clock, he can show us over the 4 Scorpion.’ 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 85 

After to-day she will be closed to visitors, even his 
own relations. I was just going to see if Geraldine 
could come.” 

Granet was thoughtful for a moment. He 
glanced at the little clock on the dashboard opposite 
to him. 

44 I tell you what,” he suggested, 44 why not let me 
motor you and Miss Conyers down? I don’t believe 
there’s another fast train before one o’clock, and 
we’d get down in a couple of hours, easily. It’s just 
what I’m longing for, a good stretch into the coun- 
try.” 

44 1 should love it,” the girl exclaimed, 44 and I 
should think Geraldine would. Will you wait while 
I run in and see her? ” 

44 Of course,” Granet replied. 44 Here we are, and 
there’s Miss Conyers at the window. You go in and 
talk her over and I’ll just see that we’ve got lots of 
petrol. I’ll have you down there within two hours, 
all right, if we can get away before the roads are 
crowded.” 

She hurried into the house. Geraldine met her on 
the threshold and they talked together for a few 
moments. Then Olive reappeared, her face beam- 
ing. 

44 Geraldine would simply love it,” she announced. 
44 She will be here in five minutes. Could we just 
stop at my house for a motor-coat? ” 

44 Certainly ! ” Granet agreed, glancing at his 
watch. 44 This is absolutely ripping ! We shall be 
down there by one o’clock. Why is this to be Con- 
yers’ last day for entertaining?” 


86 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 I don’t know,” she answered indifferently. 
44 Some Admiralty regulation, I suppose.” 

He sighed. 

44 After all,” he declared, 44 I am not sure whether 
I chose the right profession. There is so much that 
is mysterious about the Navy. They are always in- 
venting something or trying something new.” 

Geraldine came down the steps, waving her hand. 

44 This is the most delightful idea ! ” she ex- 
claimed, as Granet held the door open. 44 Do you 
really mean that you are going to take us down to 
Portsmouth and come and see Ralph? ” 

44 1 am not going to worry your brother,” he an- 
swered, smiling, 44 but I am going to take you down 
to Portsmouth, if I may. We shall be there long 
before you could get there by train, and — well, 
what do you think of my new toy ? ” 

44 Simply wonderful,” Geraldine declared. 44 Olive 
told me that your uncle had just given it you. What 
a lucky person you are, Captain Granet ! ” 

He laughed a little shortly as they glided off. 

44 Do you think so? ” he answered. 44 Well, I am 
lucky in my uncle, at any rate. He is one of those 
few people who have a great deal of money and 
don’t mind spending it. I was getting bored to 
death with my game leg and arm, and certainly this 
makes one forget both of them. Six cylinders, you 
see, Miss Conyers, and I wouldn’t like to tell you 
what we can touch if we were pressed.” 

44 You won’t frighten us,” Geraldine assured him. 

Granet glanced once more at the clock in front of 

him. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 87 

“ For a time,” he remarked, 44 I am your chauf- 
feur. I just want to see what she’ll do — to experi- 
ment a little.” 

From that point conversation became scanty. 
The girls leaned back in their seats. Granet sat bolt 
upright, with his eyes fixed upon the road. Shortly 
before one o’clock they entered Portsmouth. 

44 The most wonderful ride I ever had in my life! ” 
Geraldine exclaimed. 

46 Marvellous ! ” Olive echoed. 44 Captain Granet, 
Ralph promised that there should be a pinnace at 
number seven dock from one until three.” 

Granet pointed with his finger. 

44 Number seven dock is there,” he said, 44 and 
there’s the pinnace. I shall go back to the hotel for 
lunch and wait for you there.” 

44 You will do nothing of the sort,” Geraldine in- 
sisted. 44 Ralph would be furious if you didn’t come 
with us.” 

44 Of course ! ” Olive interposed. 44 How could 
you think of anything so ridiculous! It’s entirely 
owing to you that we were able to get here.” 

Captain Granet looked for a moment doubtful. 

44 You see, just now,” he explained, 44 1 know the 
regulations for visiting ships in commission are very 
strict. Perhaps an extra visitor might embarrass 
your brother.” 

44 How can you be so absurd ! ” Geraldine pro- 
tested. 44 You — a soldier! Why, of course he’d 
be delighted to have you.” 

Granet swung the car around into the archway of 
a hotel exactly opposite the dock. 


88 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

“All right,” he agreed. “We’ll leave the car 
here. Of course, I’d like to come all right.” 

They crossed the cobbled street and made their 
way to the dock. The pinnace was waiting for them 
and in a very few minutes they were on their way 
across the harbour. The 44 Scorpion ” was lying well 
away from other craft, her four squat funnels 
emitting faint wreaths of smoke. She rode very low 
in the water and her appearance was certainly 
menacing. 

44 Personally,” Geraldine observed, leaning a little 
forward to look at her, 46 1 think a destroyer is one 
of the most vicious, the most hideous things I ever 
saw. I do hope that Ralph will be quick and get a 
cruiser.” 

44 Is that the ‘Scorpion’ just ahead of us?” 
Granet asked. 

Geraldine nodded. 

44 Did you ever see anything so ugly ? She looks 
as though she would spit out death from every little 
crevice.” 

44 She’s a fine boat,” Granet muttered. 44 What 
did your brother say she could do ? ” 

44 Thirty-nine knots,” Geraldine replied. 44 It 
seems wonderful, doesn’t it?” 

The officer in charge of the pinnace smiled. 

44 Our speeds are only nominal, any way,” he re- 
marked. 44 If our chief engineer there had the 
proper message, there’s none of us would like to say 
what he could get out of those new engines.” 

He turned and shouted an order. In a moment 
or two they swung around and drew up by the side 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 89 

of the vessel. Ralph waved his hand to them from 
the top of the gangway. 

“ Well done, you people ! ” he exclaimed. 44 Hullo, 
Granet! Have you brought the girls down?”, 

44 In the most wonderful racing car you ever saw ! ” 
Geraldine told him, as they climbed up the gangway. 
44 We shouldn’t have been here for hours if we had 
waited for the train.” 

44 1 met Captain Granet this morning by accident,” 
Olive explained, as she stepped on deck, 44 and he in- 
sisted on bringing us down.” 

44 1 hope I’m not in the way at all?” Granet 
asked anxiously. 44 If I am, you have only to say 
the word and put me on shore, and I’ll wait, with 
pleasure, until the young ladies come off. I have a 
lot of pals down here, too, I could look up.” 

44 Don’t be silly,” Conyers replied. 44 Our dear old 
lady friend Thomson isn’t here to worry so I think 
we can make you free of the ship. Come along down 
and try a cocktail. Mind your heads. We’re not 
on a battleship, you know. You will find my quar- 
ters a little cramped, I’m afraid.” 

They drank cocktails cheerfully, and afterwards 
Geraldine and Granet made their way back on deck. 

44 How any one can live in that atmosphere ! ” 
Geraldine exclaimed, taking a long breath. 44 If 
Olive weren’t so fearfully in love, she’d be suffo- 
cated.” 

Granet paused and looked before him with a puz- 
zled frown. 

44 What in heaven’s name is this ? ” 

Exactly opposite to them was an erection of light 


90 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

framework, obviously built around some hidden ob- 
ject for purposes of concealment. A Marine was 
standing on guard before it, with drawn cutlass. 
Granet was in the act of addressing him when an 
officer ran lightly down the fore part of the ship, 
and saluted. 

44 Very sorry, sir,” he said, 44 but would you mind 
keeping to the other side? This deck is closed, for 
the present.” 

46 What on earth have you got there?” Granet 
asked good-humouredly, — 44 that is if it’s anything 
a landsman may know about? ” 

The young officer piloted them across to the 
other side. 

44 It’s just a little something we are not permitted 
to talk about just now,” he replied. 44 I didn’t 
know the commander expected any visitors to-day or 
we should have had it roped off. Anything I can 
show you on this deck? ” he inquired politely. 

44 Nothing at all, thanks,” Geraldine assured him. 
44 We’U just stroll about for a little time.” 

They leaned over the rail together. The 3 r oung 
officer saluted and withdrew. A freshening breeze 
blew in their faces and the sunshine danced upon the 
foam-flecked sea. The harbour was lively with small 
craft, an aeroplane was circling overhead, and out 
in the Roads several warships were lying anchored. 

44 1 was in luck this morning,” Granet asserted. 

44 So were we,” Geraldine replied. 44 1 never en- 
joyed motoring more. Your new car is wonderful.” 

44 She is a beauty, isn’t she ? ” Granet assented en- 
thusiastically. 44 What she could touch upon fourth 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 91 

speed I wouldn’t dare to say. We were going over 
sixty plenty of times this morning, and yet one 
scarcely noticed it. You see, she’s so beautifully 
hung.” 

“ You are fortunate,” she remarked, 44 to have an 
appreciative uncle.” 

44 He is rather a brick,” Granet acknowledged. 
44 He’s done me awfully well all my life.” 

She nodded. 

44 You really are rather to be envied, aren’t you, 
Captain Granet? You have most of the things a 
man wants. You’ve had your opportunity, too, of 
doing just the finest things a man can, and you’ve 
done them.” 

He looked gloomily out seawards. 

44 1 am lucky in one way,” he admitted. 44 In 
others I am not so sure.” 

She kept her head turned from him. Somehow or 
other, she divined quite well what was in his mind. 
She tried to think of something to say, something 
to dispel the seriousness which she felt to be in the 
atmosphere, but words failed her. It was he who 
broke the silence. 

44 May I ask you a question, Miss Conyers?” 

44 A question ? Why not ? ” 

44 Are you really engaged to Major Thomson?” 

She did not answer him at once. She still kept her 
eyes resolutely turned away from his. When at last 
she spoke, her voice was scarcely raised above a 
iwhisper. 

44 Certainly I am,” she assented. 

He leaned a little closer towards her. His voice 


92 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

sounded to her very deep and firm. It was the voice 
of a man immensely in earnest. 

“ 1 am going to be an awful rotter,” he said. “ I 
suppose I ought to take your answer to my question 
as final. I won’t, that’s all. He came along first 
but that isn’t everything. It’s a fair fight between 
him and me. He hates me and takes no pains to 
hide it. He hates me because I care for you — you 
know that. I couldn’t keep it to myself even if I 
would.” 

She drew a little away but he forced her to look 
at him. There was something else besides appeal in 
her eyes. 

“ You’ve been the victim of a mistake,” he insisted, 
his hand resting upon hers. “ I don’t believe that 
you really care for him at all. He doesn’t seem the 
right sort for you, he’s so much older and graver. 
You mustn’t be angry. You must forgive me, 
please, if I have said more than I ought — if I say 
more now — because I am going to tell you, now that 
we are alone together for a moment, that I love 
you.” 

She turned upon him a little indignantly, though 
the distress in her face was still apparent. 

“ Captain Granet!” she exclaimed. “You should 
not say that! You have no right — no right at 
all.” 

“ On the contrary, I have every right,” he an- 
swered doggedly. “ It isn’t as though Thomson 
were my friend. He hates me and I dislike him. 
Every man has a right to do his best to win the girl 
he cares for. It’s the first time I’ve felt anything 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 93 

of this sort. I’ve never wanted the big things before 
from any woman. And now — ” 

She turned impetuously away from him. Over 
their head an electric message was sparkling and 
crackling. She stood looking up, her hand out- 
stretched as though to keep him away. 

46 1 cannot listen any more,” she declared. 44 If 
you say another word I shall go below.” 

He remained for a moment gloomily silent. A 
young officer stepped out of the wireless room and 
saluted Geraldine. 

44 Very sorry for you people, Miss Conyers,” he 
announced, 44 but I am afraid we’ll have to put you 
on shore. We’ve an urgent message here from the 
flag-ship to clear off all guests.” 

44 But we haven’t had lunch yet ! ” Geraldine pro- 
tested. 

Conyers suddenly made his appearance in the 
gangway, followed by Olive. 

44 What’s the message, Howard? ” he inquired. 

The officer saluted and handed over a folded piece 
of paper. Conyers read it with a frown and stepped 
at once out on to the deck. He gave a few orders, 
then he turned back to his guests. 

44 Girls,” he explained, 44 and you, Granet, I’m 
frightfully sorry but I can’t keep you here another 
second. I have ordered the pinnace round. You 
must get on shore and have lunch at the 4 Ship.’ 
I’ll come along as soon as I can. Frightfully sorry, 
Granet, but I needn’t apologise to you, need I? 
War’s war, you know, and this is a matter cf 
urgency.” 


94 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


44 You’re not going out this tide? 99 Geraldine de- 
manded breathlessly. 

Conyers shook his head. 

44 It isn’t that,” he replied. 44 We’ve got some en- 
gineers coming over to do some work on deck, and 
I’ve had a private tip from my chief to clear out any 
guests I may have on board.” 

44 Is it anything to do with this wonderful 
screened-up thing? ” Olive asked, strolling towards 
the framework-covered edifice. 

Conyers shrugged his shoulders. 

44 Can’t disclose Government secrets ! Between 
just us four — our friend Thomson isn’t here, is 
he? ” he added, smiling, — 44 we are planning a little 
Hell for the submarines.” 

They glanced curiously at the mysterious erec- 
tion. Granet sighed. 

44 Secretive chaps, you sailors,” he observed. 
44 Never mind, I have a pal in the Admiralty who 
gives me a few hints now and tfren. I shall go and 
pump him.” 

44 Don’t you breathe a word about having been 
on board the 4 Scorpion,’ ” Conyers begged quickly. 
44 They wink at it down here, so long as it’s done dis- 
creetly, but it’s positively against the rules, you 
know.” 

44 Righto ! ” Granet agreed. 44 There isn’t a soul 
I’m likely to mention it to.” 

44 I’ll come over to the 4 Ship ’ as soon as I can 
get away,” Conyers promised. 

They raced across the mile of broken water to the 
landing-stage. They were all a little silent. Olive 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 95 

was frankly disappointed, Geraldine was busy with 
her thoughts. Granet’s gaze seemed rivetted upon 
the 44 Scorpion.” Another pinnace had drawn up 
alongside and a little company of men were board- 
ing her. 

“ I only hope that they really have hit upon a de- 
vice to rid the sea of these cursed submarines ! ” he 
remarked, as they made their way across the dock. 
44 1 see the brutes have taken to sinking fishing 
boats now.” 

44 Ralph believes that they have got something,” 
Olive declared eagerly. 44 He is simply aching to 
get to work.” 

44 Sailors are all so jolly sanguine,” Granet re- 
minded her. 44 They are doing something pretty 
useful with nets, of course, in the way your brother 
was beginning to explain to me when Major Thom- 
son chipped in, but they could only keep a fixed 
channel clear in that way. What they really need 
is some way of tackling them when they are under 
water. Here we are at last. I hope you girls are 
as hungry as I am.” 

They lunched in leisurely fashion, Olive in partic- 
ular glancing often towards the door, and afterwards 
they sat about in the lounge, drinking their coffee. 
Granet had seemed to be in high spirits throughout 
the meal, and told the girls many little anecdotes of 
his adventures at the Front. Afterwards, however, 
he became silent, and finally, with a word of excuse, 
strolled off alone. Olive looked once more at the 
clock. 

44 Ralph doesn’t seem to be coming back, does 


96 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

he ? ” she sighed. “ Let’s walk a little way down to 
the landing-stage.” 

The two girls strolled out and made their way 
towards the harbour. They could see the “ Scor- 
pion 99 but there was no sign of any pinnace leaving 
her. Reluctantly they turned back towards the 
hotel. 

“ I wonder what has become of Captain Granet ? 99 
Olive asked. 

Geraldine stopped short. There was a little frown 
gathering upon her forehead. She pointed up to 
the roof of the hotel, where a man was crouching 
with a telescope glued to his eyes. He lowered it 
almost as they paused, and waved his hand to them. 

“ Can’t see any sign of Conyers,” he shouted. 
“ I’m waiting for the pinnace. Come up here. 
There’s such a ripping view.” 

They entered the hotel in silence. 

“ I don’t believe,” Geraldine remarked uneasily, 
“ that Ralph would like that.” 

They made their way to the top of the house and 
were escorted by a buxom chambermaid to what was 
practically a step-ladder opening out on to a sky- 
light. From here they crawled on to the roof, where 
they found Granet comfortably ensconced with his 
back to a chimney, smoking a cigarette. 

“ This is rather one on your brother,” he 
chuckled. 

“Where did you find the telescope?” Geraldine 
asked. 

“ I borrowed it from downstairs,” he answered. 
“ Do come and have a look. You can see the 4 Scor- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 97 

pion ’ quite distinctly. All the officers seem to be 
gathered around that mysterious structure on the 
upper deck. I thought at first it was a stand for 
a gun but it isn’t.” 

Olive held out her hand for the telescope but Ger- 
aldine shook her head. There was a troubled ex- 
pression in her eyes. 

“ I suppose it’s awfully silly, Captain Granet,” 
she said, 44 but honestly, I don’t think Ralph would 
take it as a joke at all if he knew that we were up 
here, trying to find out what was going on.” 

Olive set down the telescope promptly. 

44 I didn’t think of that,” she murmured. 

Granet laughed easily. 

44 Perhaps you are right,” he admitted. 44 All the 
same, we are a little exceptionally placed, aren’t we? 
— his sister, his fiancee, and — ” 

He broke off suddenly. A hand had been laid 
upon his shoulder. A small, dark man, who had 
come round the comer of the chimney unperceived, 
was standing immediately behind him. 

44 I must trouble you all for your names and ad- 
dresses, if you please,” he announced quietly. 

The two girls stared at him, dumbfounded. 
Granet, however, remained perfectly at his ease. He 
laid down the telescope and scrutinised the new- 
comer. 

“ I really don’t altogether see,” he remarked good- 
humouredly, 44 why I should give my name and ad- 
dress to a perfect stranger, just because he asks for 
it.” 

The man opened his coat and displayed a badge. 


98 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

“ I am on Government service, sir.” 

“ Well, I am Captain Granet, back from the 
Front with dispatches a few days ago,” Granet told 
him. “ This is Miss Conyers, sister of Commander 
Conyers of the 4 Scorpion,’ and Miss Olive Moreton, 
his fiancee. We are waiting for Commander Con- 
yers at the present moment, and we were just look- 
ing to see if the pinnace had started. Is it against 
the law to use a telescope in Portsmouth? ” 

The man made a few notes in his pocket-book. 
Then he opened the trapdoor and stood on one side. 

“ No one is allowed out here, sir,” he said. “ The 
hotel people are to blame for not having the door 
locked. I shall have to make a report but I have 
no doubt that your explanation will be accepted. 
Will you be so good as to descend, please? ” 

Granet struggled to his feet and turned towards 
his companions. 

“ The fellow’s quite right,” he decided. “ I am 
only glad that the Government are looking after 
things so. The Admiralty are much more go-ahead 
in this way than we are. I vote we have out the car 
and go down the front to Southsea — unless we are 
under arrest? ” he added pleasantly, turning towards 
the man who had accosted them. 

66 You are at liberty to do whatever you please, 
sir,” was the polite reply. “ In any case, I think 
it would be quite useless of you to wait for Com- 
mander Conyers.” 

“ Why ? ” Olive asked quickly. 

“ The 6 Scorpion ’ has just received orders to 
leave on this evening’s tide, madam,” the man an- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 99 


nounced. 44 You can see that she is moving even 
now.” 

They looked out across the harbour. The smoke 
was pouring from the funnels of the destroyer. Al- 
ready she had swung around and was steaming 
slowly towards the Channel. 

. 44 She’s off, right enough ! ” Granet exclaimed. 

44 Nothing left for us, then, but London.” 


CHAPTER XII 

Geraldine, a few hours later, set down the tele- 
phone receiver with a little sigh of resignation. 
Lady Conyers glanced up inquiringly from her 
book. 

44 Was that some one wanting to come and see you 
at this time of night, Geraldine? ” she asked. 

Geraldine yawned. 

46 It’s Hugh,” she explained. 44 He has rung up 
from the War Office or somewhere — says he has 
just got back from France and wants to see me at 
once. I think he might have waited till to-morrow 
morning. I can scarcely keep my eyes open, I am 
so sleepy.” 

Lady Conyers glanced at the clock. 

44 It isn’t really so late,” she remarked, 44 and I 
dare say, if the poor man’s been travelling all day, 
he’d like to say good-night to you.” 

Geraldine made a little grimace. 

44 1 shall go into the morning room and wait for 
him,” she announced. 44 He’ll very likely find me 
asleep.” 

The Admiral looked up from behind the Times . 

44 Where’s that nice young fellow Gr?net?” he 
asked. 44 Why didn’t you bring him in to dinner? ” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 101 

44 Well, we didn’t get back until nearly eight,” 
Geraldine reminded her father. 44 1 didn’t think he’d 
have time to change and get back here comfortably.” 

44 Fine young chap, that,” Sir Seymour remarked. 
44 The very best type of young English soldier. We 
could do with lots like him.” 

Geraldine left the room without remark. She 
could hear her father rustling his paper as she dis- 
appeared. 

44 Can’t think why Geraldine didn’t pick up with 
a smart young fellow like Granet instead of an old 
stick like Thomson,” he grumbled. 44 1 hate these 
Army Medicals, any way.” 

44 Major Thomson has a charming disposition,” 
Lady Conyers declared warmly. 44 Besides, he will 
be very well off some day — he may even get the 
baronetcy.” 

44 Who cares about that?” her husband grunted. 
44 Gerald has all the family she needs, and all the 
money. How she came to choose Thomson from all 
her sweethearts, I can’t imagine.”. . . 

Geraldine, notwithstanding her fatigue, welcomed 
her lover very charmingly when he arrived, a few 
minutes later. Major Thomson was still in travel- 
ling clothes, and had the air of a man who had been 
working at high pressure for some time. He held 
i her fingers tightly for a moment, without speaking. 
Then he led her to the sofa and seated himself beside 
her. 

44 Geraldine,” he began gravely, 44 has what I say 
any weight with you at all? ” 

44 A good deal,” she assured him. 


102 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

“ You know that I do not like Captain Granet, 
yet you took him with you down to Portsmouth to- 
day and even allowed him to accompany you on 
board the 6 Scorpion.’ ” 

Geraldine started a little. 

“ How do you know that already ? 99 she asked 
curiously. 

He shook his head impatiently. 

“ It doesn’t matter. I heard. Why did you do 
it, Geraldine ? ” 

66 In the first place, because he offered to motor 
us down after we had missed the train. There are 
heaps of other reasons.” 

66 As, for instance? ” 

“ Well, Olive and I preferred having an escort 
and Captain Granet was a most agreeable one. He 
took us down in a car his uncle has just given him 
— a sixty horse-power Panhard. I never enjoyed 
motoring more in my life.” 

“ You are all very foolish,” Thomson said slowly. 
M I am going to tell you something now, dear, which 
you may not believe, but it is for your good, and it 
is necessary for me to have some excuse for the re- 
quest I am going to make. Granet is under sus- 
picion at the War Office.” 

“ Under suspicion?” Geraldine repeated blankly. 

“ Nothing has been proved against him,” Thomson 
continued, u and I tell you frankly that in certain 
quarters the idea is scouted as absurd. On the other 
hand, he is under observation as being a possible 
German spy.” 

Geraldine for a moment sat quite still. Then she 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 103 

broke into a peal of laughter. She sat up, a mo- 
ment later, wiping her eyes. 

66 Are you really serious, Hugh?” she demanded. 

“Absolutely,” he assured her, a little coldly. 

She wiped her eyes once more. 

“ Hugh, dear,” she sighed, patting his hand, “ you 
do so much better looking after your hospitals and 
your wounded than unearthing mare’s-nests like this. 
I don’t think that you’d be a brilliant success in the 
Intelligence Department. As to the War Office, 
well, you know what I think of them. Captain Gra- 
net a German spy, indeed ! ” 

“ Neither the War Office nor I myself,” Thomson 
continued, “ have arrived at these suspicions without 
some reason. Perhaps you will look at the matter a 
little more seriously when I tell you that Captain 
Granet will not be allowed to return to the Front.” 

“Not be allowed?” she repeated. “Hugh, you 
are not serious ! ” 

“ I have never been more serious in my life,” he 
insisted. “ I am not in a position to tell you more 
than the bare facts or I might disclose some evidence 
which even you would have to admit throws a rather 
peculiar light upon some of this young man’s ac- 
tions. As it is, however, I can do no more than warn 
you, and beg you,” he went on, “ to yield to my 
wishes in the matter of your further acquaintance 
with him.” 

There was a moment’s rather curious silence. 
Geraldine seemed to be gazing through the walls of 
the room. Her hands were clenched in one another, 
her fingers nervously interlocked. 


104 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 1 shall send for him to come and see me the first 
thing to-morrow morning,” she decided. 

44 You will do nothing of the sort,” Thomson ob- 
jected firmly. 

She turned her head and looked at him. He was 
conscious of the antagonism which had sprung up 
like a wall between them. His face, however, showed 
no sign. 

44 How do you propose to prevent me? ” she asked, 
with ominous calm. 

44 By reminding you of your duty to your coun- 
try,” he answered. 44 Geraldine, dear, I did not ex- 
pect to have to talk to you like this. When I tell 
you that responsible people in the War Office, officials 
whose profession it is to scent out treachery, have 
declared this young man suspect, I am certainly dis- 
appointed to find you embracing his cause so fer- 
vently. It is no personal matter. Believe me,” he 
added, after a moment’s pause, 44 whatever my per- 
sonal bias may be, what I am saying to you now is 
not actuated in the slightest by any feelings of jeal- 
ousy. I have told you what I know and it is for you 
to make your choice as to how much or how little in 
the future you will see of this young man. But I 
do forbid you, not in my own name but for our coun- 
try’s sake, to breathe a single word to him of what 
I have said to you.” 

44 It comes to this, then,” she said, 44 that you 
make accusations against a man and deny him the 
right of being heard ? ” 

44 If you choose to put it like that, yes,” he as- 
sented. 44 Only I fancied that considering — consid- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 105 


ering the things between us, you might have taken 
my word.” 

He leaned a little towards her. If she had been 
looking she could scarcely have failed to have been 
touched by the sudden softness of his dark eyes, the 
little note of appeal in his usually immobile face. 
Her eyes, however, were fixed upon the diamond ring 
which sparkled upon her third finger. Slowly she 
drew it off and handed it to him. 

“ Hugh,” she said, “ the things you speak of do 
not exist any more between us. I am sorry, but I 
think you are narrow and suspicious. You have 
your own work to do. It seems to me mean to spend 
your time suspecting soldiers who have fought for 
their king and their country, of such a despicable 
crime.” 

“ Can’t you trust me a little more than that, Ger- 
aldine? ” he asked wistfully. 

“In what way?” she demanded. “I judge only 
by the facts, the things you have said to me, your 
accusations against Captain Granet. Why should 
you go out of your way to investigate cases of sus- 
pected espionage ? ” 

“ You cannot believe that I would do so unless I 
was convinced that it was my duty? ” 

“ I cannot see that it is your business at all,” she 
' told him shortly. 

He rose from his place. 

“ I am very sorry, Geraldine,” he said. u I will 
keep this ring. You are quite free. But — look at 
me.” 

Against her will she was forced to do as he badei 


106 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


her. Her own attitude, which had appeared to her 
so dignified and right, seemed suddenly weakened. 
She had the feeling of a peevish child. 

“ Geraldine,” he begged, “ take at least the advice 
of a man who loves you. Wait.” 

Even when he had opened the door she felt a sud- 
den inclination to call him back. She heard him go 
down the hall, heard the front door open and close. 
She sat and looked in a dazed sort of way at the 
empty space upon her finger. Then she rose and 
went into the drawing-room, where her father and 
mother were still reading. She held out her hand. 

“ Mother,” she announced, 66 1 am not engaged to 
Major Thomson any more.” 

The Admiral laid down his newspaper. 

“ Damned good job, too!” he declared. 46 That 
young fellow Granet’s worth a dozen of him. Never 
could stick an Army Medical. Well, well ! How did 
he take it ? ” 

Lady Conyers watched her daughter searchingly. 
Then she shook her head. 

“ I hope you have done wisely, dear,” she said. 


CHAPTER XIII 


At a little after noon on the following day, Cap- 
tain Granet descended from a taxicab in the court- 
yard of the Milan Hotel, and, passing through the 
swing doors, made his way to the inquiry office. A 
suave, black-coated young clerk hastened to the desk. 

44 Can you tell me,” Granet inquired, 46 whether a 
gentleman named Guillot is staying here ? ” 

The young man bowed. 

44 Monsieur Guillot arrived last night, sir,” he an- 
nounced. 44 He has just rung down to say that if 
a gentleman called to see him he could be shown up. 
Here, page,” he went on, turning to a diminutive 
youth in the background, 44 show this gentleman to 
number 322.” 

Granet followed the boy to the lift and was con- 
ducted to a room on the third floor. The door was 
opened by a tall, white-haired Frenchman. 

44 Monsieur Guillot?” Captain Granet inquired 
pleasantly. 44 My name is Granet.” 

The Frenchman ushered him in. The door was 
closed and carefully locked. Then Monsieur Guillot 
swung around and looked at his visitor with some 
curiosity. Granet was still wearing his uniform. 

44 France must live,” Granet murmured. 

The Frenchman at once extended his hand. 


108 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


44 My friend,” he confessed, “for a moment I was 
surprised. It did not occur to me to see you in this 
guise.” 

Granet smiled. 

64 1 have been out at the Front,” he explained, 
44 and am home wounded.” 

44 But an English officer?” Monsieur Guillot re- 
marked dubiously. 44 I do not quite understand, then. 
The nature of the communication which I have come 
to receive is known to you? ” 

Granet nodded and accepted the chair which his 
host had offered. 

44 1 do not think that you should be so much sur- 
prised,” he said simply. 44 If the war is grievous for 
your country, it is ruin to mine. We do not, per- 
haps, advertise our apprehensions in the papers. We 
prefer to keep them locked up in our own brain. 
There is one great fact always before us. Germany 
is unconquerable. One must find peace or perish.” 

Monsieur Guillot listened with a curious look upon 
his face. His forefinger tapped the copy of the 
Times which was lying upon the table. The other 
nodded gravely. 

44 Yes,” he continued, 44 1 know that our Press is 
carrying on a magnificent campaign of bluff. I 
know that many of the ignorant people of the coun- 
try believe that this war is still being prosecuted with 
every hope of success. We who have been to the 
Front, especially those who have any source of in- 
formation in Germany, know differently. The longer 
the war, the more ruinous the burden which your 
country and mine will have to bear.” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 109 

“ It is my opinion also,” Monsieur Guillot de- 
clared, 44 and furthermore, listen. It is not our war 
at all, that is the cruel part of it. It is Russia’s war 
and yours. Yet it is we who suffer most, we, the 
richest part of whose country is in the hands of the 
foe, we whose industries are paralysed, my country 
from whom the life-blood is being slowly drained. 
You English, what do you know of the war? No 
enemy has set foot upon your soil, no Englishman 
has seen his womankind dishonoured or his home 
crumble into ashes. The war to you is a thing of 
paper, an abstraction — that same war which has 
turned the better half of my beloved country into a 
lurid corner of hell.” 

44 Our time has not yet come,” Granet admitted, 
44 but before long, unless diplomacy can avert it, fate 
will be knocking at our doors, too. Listen. You 
have friends still in power, Monsieur Guillot? — 
friends in the Cabinet, is it not so ? ” 

“ It is indeed true,” Monsieur Guillot assented. 

44 You have, too,” Granet continued, “ a great fol- 
lowing throughout France. You are the man for the 
task I bring to you. You, if you choose, shall save 
your country and earn the reward she will surely be- 
stow upon you.” 

Monsieur Guillot’s cheeks were flushed a little. 
With long, nervous fingers he rolled a cigarette and 
lit it. 

64 Monsieur,” he said, 44 1 listen to you eagerly, 
and yet I am puzzled. You wear the uniform of an 
English officer, but you come to me, is it not so, as 
an emissary of Germany ? ” 


110 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 In bald words that may be true,” Granet con- 
fessed, 44 yet I would remind you of two things. 
First, that the more dominant part of the personal- 
ity which I have inherited comes to me from Alsatian 
ancestors; and secondly, that this peace for which 
I am striving may in the end mean salvation for 
England, too.” 

44 I hear you with relief,” Monsieur Guillot ad- 
mitted. 44 In this transaction it is my great desire 
to deal with a man of honour. As such I now per- 
ceive that I can recognise you, monsieur.” 

Granet bowed gravely and without any shadow of 
embarrassment. 

44 That assuredly, Monsieur Guillot,” he said. 
44 Shall I proceed? ” 

44 By all means.” 

Granet drew a thin packet from the breast pocket 
of his coat. He laid it on the table between them. 

44 1 received this,” he announced, 44 less than three 
weeks ago from the hands of the Kaiser himself.” 

Monsieur Guillot gazed at his companion incredu- 
lously. 

44 It was very simple,” Granet continued. 44 1 was 
taken prisoner near the village of Ossray. I was 
conducted at once to headquarters and taken by 
motor-car to a certain fortified place which I will not 
specify, but which was at that time the headquarters 
of the German Staff. I received this document there 
in the way I have told you. I was then assisted, 
after some very remarkable adventures, to rej oin my 
regiment. You can open that document, Monsieur 
Guillot. It is addressed to you. Guard it carefully, 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 111 


though, for it is signed by the Kaiser himself. I have 
carried it with me now for more than a fortnight in 
the inner sole of my shoe. As you can imagine, its 
discovery upon my person would have meant instant 
death.” 

Monsieur Guillot was engrossed in reading the few 
lines of the missive. When he had finished, he cov- 
ered the paper with the palm of his hand and leaned 
forward. There was a queer light in his eyes. 

44 Germany will give up Alsace and Lorraine,” he 
said hoarsely, 44 and will retire within her own fron- 
tiers. She will ask for no indemnity. What is the 
meaning of it? ” 

44 Simple enough,” Granet pointed out. 44 A great 
politician like you should easily realise the actual 
conditions which prompt such an offer. What good 
is territory to Germany, territory over which she 
must rule by force, struggling always against the 
accumulated hatred of years? Alsace and Lorraine 
have taught her her lesson. It is not French terri- 
tory she wants. Russia has far more to give. Rus- 
sia and England between them can pay an indemnity 
which will make Germany rich beyond the dreams of 
avarice. Form your party, Monsieur Guillot, spread 
your tidings in any way that seems fit to you, only 
until the hour comes, guard that document as you 
would your soul. Its possession would mean death 
to you as it would to me.” 

Monsieur Guillot took the document and buttoned 
it up in his inside pocket. 

44 Supposing I succeed,” he said quietly, 44 what of 
your country then ? ” 


112 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

“ My country will make peace,” Granet replied. 
“ It will be a peace that will cost us much, but noth- 
ing more than we deserve. For generations this war 
has been the perfectly obvious and apparent sequence 
of European events. It threw its warning shadow 
across our path for years, and our statesmen delib- 
erately turned their heads the other way or walked 
blindfolded. Not only our statesmen, mind, but our 
people, our English people. Our young men shirked 
their duty, our philosophers and essayists shirked 
theirs. We prated of peace and conventions, and 
we knew very well that we were living in times when 
human nature and red blood were still the controlling 
elements. We watched Germany arm and prepare. 
We turned for comfort towards our fellow sinners, 
America, and we prattled about conventions and ar- 
bitration, and a hundred other silly abstractions. A 
father can watch the punishment of his child, Mon- 
sieur Guillot. Believe me, there are many other Eng- 
lishmen besides me who will feel a melancholy satis- 
faction in the chastisement of their country, many 
who are more English, even, than I.” 

Monsieur Guillot passed away from the personal 
side of the matter. Already his mind was travelling 
swiftly along the avenues of his own future great- 
ness. 

“ This is the chance which comes to few men,” he 
muttered. “ There is Dejane, Gardine, Debonnot, 
Senn, besides my own followers. My own journal, 
too! It is a great campaign, this, which I shall 
start.” 

Granet rose to his feet. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 113 

“ After to-day I breathe more freely,” he con- 
fessed. “ There have been enemies pressing closely 
around me, I have walked in fear. To-day I am a 
free man. Take care, monsieur. Take care espe- 
cially whilst you are in England.” 

Monsieur Guillot extended his hand. 

“ My young friend,” he said, “ in the years to 
come you and I shall perhaps meet in our wonderful 
Paris, and if I may not tell the world so, I shall yet 
feel, as we look upon her greatness, that you and I 
together have saved France. Adieu!” 

Granet made his way along the empty corridor, 
rang for the lift and descended into the hall. A 
smile was upon his lips. The torch at last was kin- 
dled ! In the hall of the hotel he came across a group 
of assembling guests just starting for the luncheon 
room. A tall, familiar figure stepped for a moment 
on one side. His heart gave a little jump. Geral- 
dine held out her pearl-gloved hand. 

“ Captain Granet,” she said, “ I wanted to tell you 
something.” 

6< Yes? ” he answered breathlessly. 

She glanced towards where the little group of peo- 
ple were already on their way to the stairs. 

“ I must not stay for a second,” she continued, 
dropping her voice, “ but I wanted to tell you — I 
am no longer engaged to Major Thomson. Good- 
bye ! ” 

A rush of words trembled upon his lips but she 
was gone. He watched her slim, graceful figure as 
she passed swiftly along the vestibule and joined 
her friends. He even heard her little laugh as 


114 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


she greeted one of the men who had waited for 
her. 

“ Decidedly,” Granet said to himself triumphantly 
as he turned towards the door, “ this is my day ! ” 


CHAPTER XIV 


Monsieur Guillot was a man of emotional temper- 
ament. For more than an hour after Granet had 
left him, he paced up and down his little room, stood 
before the high windows which overlooked the 
Thames, raised his hands above his head and gazed 
with flashing eyes into the future — such a future! 
All his life he had been a schemer, his eyes turned 
towards the big things, yet with himself always oc- 
cupying the one glorified place in the centre of the 
arena. He was, in one sense of the word, a patriot, 
but it was the meanest and smallest sense. There 
was no great France for him in which his was not the 
commanding figure. In every dream of that won- 
derful future, of a more splendid and triumphant 
France, he saw himself on the pinnacle of fame, him- 
self acclaimed by millions the strong, great man, the 
liberator. France outside himself lived only as a 
phantasy. And now at last his chance had come. 
The minutes passed unnoticed as he built his way up 
into the future. He was shrewd and calculating, he 
took note of the pitfalls he must avoid. One by one 
I he decided upon the men whom gradually and cau- 
tiously he would draw into his confidence. Finally 
he saw the whole scheme complete, the bomb-shell 
thrown, France hysterically casting laurels upon the 
man who had brought her unexpected peace. 

The door-bell rang. He answered it a little im- 


116 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


patiently. A slim, fashionably dressed young 
Frenchman stood there, whose face was vaguely 
familiar to him. 

64 Monsieur Guillot ? ” the newcomer inquired po- 
litely. 

Guillot bowed. The young man handed him a 
card. 

44 1 am the Baron D’Evignon,” he announced, 
44 second secretary at the Embassy here.” 

Monsieur Guillot held the card and looked at his 
visitor. He was very puzzled. Some dim sense of 
foreboding was beginning to steal in upon him. 

44 Be so kind as to come in, Monsieur le Baron,” 
he invited. 44 Will you not be seated and explain to 
me to what I am indebted for this honour? You do 
not, by any chance, mistake me for another? 1 am 
Monsieur Guillot, lately, alas ! of Lille.” 

The Baron smiled ever so slightly as he waved 
away the chair. 

44 There is no mistake, Monsieur Guillot,” he said. 
44 1 come to you with a message from my Chief. He 
would be greatly honoured if you would accompany 
me to the Embassy. He wishes a few minutes’ con- 
versation with you.” 

44 With me?” Monsieur Guillot echoed incredu- 
lously. 44 But there is some mistake.” 

44 No mistake, I assure you,” the young man in- 
sisted. 

Monsieur Guillot drew a little back into the room. 

44 But what have I to do with the Ambassador, or 
with diplomatic matters of any sort ? ” he protested. 
44 1 am here on business, to see what can be saved 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 117 

from the wreck of my affairs. Monsieur the Ambas- 
sador is mistaking me for another.” 

The Baron shook his head. 

44 There is no mistake, my dear sir,” he insisted. 
44 We all recognise,” he added, with a bow, 44 the 
necessities which force the most famous of us to live 
sometimes in the shadow of anonymity. If the Chief 
could find little to say to Monsieur Guillot of Lille, 
he will, I am sure, be very interested in a short con- 
versation with Monsieur Henri Pailleton.” 

There was a brief, tense silence. The man who 
had called himself Guillot was transformed. The 
dreams which had uplifted him a few minutes ago, 
had passed. He was living very much in the present 
— an ugly and foreboding present. The veins stood 
out upon his forehead and upon the back of his 
hands, his teeth gleamed underneath his coarse, white 
moustache. Then he recovered himself. 

44 There is some mistake,” he said, 44 but I will 
come.” 

In silence they left the hotel and drove to the Em- 
bassy, in silence the young man ushered his charge 
into the large, pleasant apartment on the ground- 
floor of the Embassy, where the ambassador was giv- 
ing instructions to two of his secretaries. He dis- 
missed them with a little wave of his hand and bowed 
politely to his visitor. There was no longer any pre- 
text on the part of Monsieur Guillot. He recognised 
its complete futility. 

44 Monsieur Pailleton,” the ambassador began, 
44 will you take a seat? It is very kind of you to 
obey so quickly my summons.” 


118 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


“ I had no idea,” the latter remarked, “ that my 
presence in England was known. I am here on pri- 
vate business.” 

The ambassador bowed suavely. 

“ Precisely, my friend ! You see, I use the epithet 
6 my friend 5 because at a time like this all Frenchmen 
must forget their differences and work together for 
the good and the honour of their country. Is it not 
so, monsieur? ” 

“ That is indeed true,” Monsieur Pailleton ad- 
mitted slowly. “We may work in different ways but 
we work towards the same end.” 

“No one has ever doubted your patriotism. Mon- 
sieur Pailleton,” the ambassador continued. “ It is 
my privilege now to put it to the test. There is a 
little misunderstanding in Brazil, every particular 
concerning which, and the views of our Government, 
is contained in the little parcel of documents which 
you see upon this table. Put them in your pocket, 
Monsieur Pailleton. I am going to ask you to serve 
your country by leaving for Liverpool this after- 
noon and for Brazil to-morrow on the steamship 
‘ Hermes.’ ” 

Monsieur Pailleton had been a little taken aback 
by the visit of the Baron. He sat now like a man 
temporarily stupefied. He was too amazed to find 
any sinister significance in this mission. He could 
only gasp. The ambassador’s voice, as he continued 
talking smoothly, seemed to reach him from a long 
way off. 

“ It may be a little contrary to your wishes, my 
friend,” the latter proceeded, “to find yourself so 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 119 

far from the throb of our great struggle, yet in these 
days we serve best who obey. It is the wish of those 
who stand for France that you should take that 
packet and board that steamer.” 

Monsieur Pailleton began in some measure to re- 
cover himself. He was still, however, bewildered. 

44 Monsieur,” he protested, 44 I do not understand. 
This mission to Brazil of which you speak — it can 
have no great importance. Cannot it be entrusted 
to some other messenger? ” 

“ Alas ! no, my dear sir,” was the uncompromising 
reply. 44 It is you — Monsieur Pailleton — whom 
the President desires to travel to Brazil.” 

The light was breaking in upon Pailleton. He 
clenched his fists. 

44 I am to be got out of the way ! ” he exclaimed. 
44 The President fears me politically, he fears my 
following ! ” 

The ambassador drew himself a little more upright, 
a stiff, unbending figure. His words seemed sud- 
denly to become charged with more weight. 

44 Monsieur Pailleton,” he said, 44 the only thing 
that France fears is treachery ! ” 

Pailleton gripped at the back of his chair. The 
room for a moment swam before his eyes. 

44 Is this an insult, Monsieur PAmbassadeur? ” he 
demanded. 

44 Take it as an insult if in your heart there is no 
shadow of treachery towards the France that is to- 
day, towards the cause of the Allies as it is to-day,” 
was the stem answer. 

44 1 refuse to accept this extraordinary mission,” 


120 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

Pailleton declared, rising to his feet. “You can 
send whom you will to Brazil. I have greater affairs 
before me.” 

The ambassador shrugged his shoulders. 

“ I shall not press you,” he said. “ I shall only 
put before you the alternative. You are at this 
present moment upon French soil. If you refuse 
this mission which has been offered to you, I shall 
detain you here until I have the means of sending 
you under escort to France.” 

“ Detain me? On what charge? ” Pailleton ex- 
claimed angrily. 

“ On the charge of treason,” was the quiet reply. 
“ I shall have you stripped and searched in this 
room. I shall have your luggage and your room 
searched at the Milan Hotel. And now, Monsieur 
Pailleton? ” 

Once more the man was bewildered. This time, 
however, it was bewilderment of a different sort. He 
thought for a moment steadfastly. Who was there 
who could have betrayed him? 

“ What is the nature of this document, monsieur, 
which you expect to find amongst my belongings? ” 
he demanded. 

“ An authorised offer of peace from Germany to 
the French people,” the ambassador answered slowly. 
“ It is the second attempt which has been made. The 
first was torn into fragments before the face of 
the person who had the effrontery to present it. 
The second, Monsieur Pailleton, is in your posses- 
sion. You may keep it if you will. In Brazil you 
will find it of little use.” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 121 

Monsieur Pailleton folded his arms. 

“ I am a Frenchman,” he proclaimed. “ What I 
may do, I do for France.” 

“You refuse my mission, then?” 

“ I refuse it.” 

The ambassador struck a bell upon his table. One 
of his secretaries promptly appeared. 

“ Send Colonel Defarge to me at once,” his chief 
ordered. 

There was a brief pause. The ambassador was 
busy writing at his table. Pailleton, who was 
breathing heavily, said nothing. Presently an offi- 
cer in French uniform entered. 

“ Monsieur le Colonel,” the ambassador said, 
stretching out his hand towards Pailleton, “ you 
will accept the charge of this man, whom you will 
consider under arrest. I take the full responsibility 
for this proceeding. You will conduct him to your 
rooms here and you will search him. Any document 
found in his possession you will bring to me. When 
you have finished, let me know and I will give you 
an authority to proceed to his apartments in the 
Milan Hotel. You understand?” 

“ Certainly, my chief.” 

The officer saluted and moved toward Pailleton. 

“You will come quietly, monsieur, is it not so?” 
he asked. 

Pailleton waved him away. He turned to the am- 
bassador. 

“ Monsieur,” he decided, “ I will go to Brazil.” 


CHAPTER XV 


TWO MORE GERMAN SUBMARINES SUNK 
WITH ALL HANDS 

The Admiralty report that they received last night a 
message from Commander Conyers of the destroyer 
“ Scorpion/' announcing that he has destroyed German 
submarines U 22 and 27, with all hands. 

44 Well, I’m damned ! ” the Admiral exclaimed, as 
he laid down the newspaper a few mornings later. 
44 Ralph’s done it this time, and no mistake.” 

Geraldine looked over his shoulder, her cheeks 
aglow. 

44 I knew at seven o’clock,” she declared. 44 Harris 
brought me the paper up. They are all so excited 
about it in the kitchen. You’d just gone out in the 
Park.” 

44 1 want to know how it was done,” the Admiral 
speculated. 44 Can’t have been ramming if he bagged 
two of them, and they surely never came to the sur- 
face voluntarily, with a destroyer about.” 

Geraldine glanced around the room to be sure 
that they were alone. 

44 Don’t you remember when Olive and I were at 
Portsmouth ? ” she said. 44 Ralph has been abso- 
lutely dumb about it but he did just give us a hint 
that he had a little surprise in store for the sub- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 123 

marines. There was something on deck, covered all 
up and watched by a sentry, and just before we sat 
down to lunch, you know, we were turned off and 
had to go to the 4 Ship.’ Ralph wouldn’t tell us a 
word about it but I’m sure he’s got some new con- 
trivance on the 4 Scorpion ’ for fighting the sub- 
marines.” 

44 There may be something in it,” the Admiral ad- 
mitted cheerfully. 44 1 noticed the Morning Post 
naval man the other day made a very guarded refer- 
ence to some secret means of dealing with these 
vermin.” 

Lady Conyers sailed into the room, a telegram in 
her hand. 

44 A wireless from Ralph,” she announced* 
44 Listen.” 

Have sunk two of the brutes. More to come. Love. 

Ralph. 

They pored over the telegram and the newspaper 
until the breakfast was cold. The Admiral was like 
a boy again. 

44 If we can get rid of these curses of the sea,” he 
said, settling down at last to his bacon and eggs, 

44 and get those Germans to come out, the war will 
be over months before any one expected. I shall go 
down to the Admiralty after breakfast and see if 
they’ve anything to tell. Ralph gave me a hint 
about the net scheme but he never even mentioned 
anything else.” 

The telephone rang in the next room and a serv- 
ant summoned Geraldine. 


124 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


44 Captain Granet wishes to speak to Miss Con- 
yers,” he announced. 

Geraldine left her place at once and hastened into 
the library. She took up the receiver. 

44 Is that you, Captain Granet? ” she asked. 

44 I felt that I must ring you up,” he declared, 
44 to congratulate you, Miss Conyers, upon your 
brother’s exploit. I have had half a dozen soldier 
fellows in already this morning to talk about it, and 
we’re simply mad with curiosity. Do you think we 
shall be told soon how it was done ? ” 

44 Father’s going down to the Admiralty to try 
and find out,” Geraldine replied. 44 Ralph doesn’t 
say a word except that he sunk them. We’ve had a 
wireless from him this morning.” 

44 It really doesn’t matter much, does it,” Granet 
went on, 44 so long as we get rid of the brutes. I was 
perfectly certain, when we were down at Portsmouth, 
that your brother had something up his sleeve. Does 
give one a thrill, doesn’t it, when one’s ashore and 
doing nothing, to read of things like this? ” 

44 You’ll soon be at work again,” she told him en- 
couragingly. 

44 1 don’t know,” he sighed. 44 They talk about 
giving me a home job and I don’t think I could stick 
it. Are you walking in the Park this morning, Miss 
Conyers ? ” 

She hesitated for a moment. 

44 No, I am playing golf at Ranelagh.” 

44 Might I call this afternoon ? ” 

44 If you like,” she assented. 44 After four o’clock, 
though, because I am staying out to lunch.” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 125 

44 Thank you so much,” he replied gratefully. 

She set down the receiver again and went back to 
the breakfast-room. 

44 Captain Granet just wanted to congratulate us 
all,” she announced, 64 and to know if he could come 
in to tea this afternoon.” 

44 Better ask him to dinner, my dear,” the Admiral 
suggested hospitably. 44 He’s a fine young fellow, 
Granet. Very thoughtful of him to ring us up.” 

Lady Conyers made no comment. Geraldine was 
bending over her plate. The Admiral rose to his feet. 
He was much too excited to pursue the conversation. 

44 1 shall walk down to the Admiralty and see if I 
can get hold of old Wilcock,” he continued. 44 If he 
won’t tell me anything, I’ll wring the old beggar’s 
neck.” 

The Admiral left the house a few minutes later and 
Lady Conyers walked arm in arm with her daughter 
into the pleasant little morning-room which looked 
out upon the Square. The former paused for a mo- 
ment to look at Thomson’s photograph, which stood 
upon one of the side tables. Then she closed the 
door. 

44 Geraldine,” she said, 44 I am not very happy 
about you and Hugh.” 

44 Why not, mother? ” the girl asked, looking out 
of the window. 

44 Perhaps because I like Hugh,” Lady Conyers 
went on quietly, 44 perhaps, too, because I am not sure 
that you have done wisely. You haven’t given me 
any reason yet, have you, for breaking your engage- 
ment? ” 


126 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

Geraldine was silent for a moment. Then she 
came back and sat on the rug at her mother’s feet. 
She kept her face, however, a little turned away. 

44 It’s so hard to put it into words, mother,” she 
said thoughtfully, 44 only Hugh never seemed to give 
me any of his confidence. Of course, his is very dull 
work, looking after hospitals and that sort of thing, 
but still, I’d have liked to try and take an interest 
in it. He must have seen exciting things in France, 
but it is only by the merest chance that one ever 
realises that he has been even near the Front. He is 
so silent, so secretive.” 

Lady Conyers took up her knitting. 

44 Some men are like that, dear,” she remarked. 
44 It is just temperamental. Perhaps you haven’t 
encouraged him to talk.” 

44 But I have,” Geraldine insisted. 44 I have asked 
him no end of questions, but before he has answered 
any of them properly, I find him trying to change 
the conversation.” 

44 Men don’t like talking about the war, you know,” 
Lady Conyers went on. 44 There was that nice Major 
Tyndale who was back from the Front the other day 
with a V. C. and goodness knows what. Not a word 
would he say about any one of the fights, and he is 
cheery enough in a general way, isn’t he, and fond 
of talking?” 

44 Even then,” Geraldine protested, 44 Hugh’s work 
is different. I can understand why he doesn’t like to 
talk a lot about the wounded and that sort of thing, 
but he must have had some interesting adven- 
tures.” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 127 

“ I don’t think,” Lady Conyers said, “ the very 
nicest men talk about their adventures.” 

Geraldine made a little grimace. 

44 Hugh doesn’t talk about anything,” she com- 
plained. 44 He goes about looking as though he had 
the cares of the world upon his shoulders, and then 
he has the — well, the cheek, I call it, to lecture me 
about Captain Granet. He does talk about Captain 
Granet in the most absurd manner, you know, 
mother.” 

44 He may have his reasons,” Lady Conyers ob- 
served. 

Geraldine turned her head and looked at her 
mother. 

44 Now what reasons could he have for not liking 
Captain Granet and suspecting him of all manner 
of ridiculous things?” she asked. 44 Did you ever 
know a more harmless, ingenuous, delightful young 
man in your life? ” 

44 Perhaps it is because you find him all these 
things,” Lady Conyers suggested, 44 that Hugh 
doesn’t like him.” 

44 Of course, if he is going to be jealous about 
nothing at all — ” 

44 Is it nothing at all? ” 

Lady Conyers raised her head from her knitting 
and looked across at her daughter. A little flush of 
colour had suddenly streamed into Geraldine’s face. 
She drew back as though she had been sitting too 
near the fire. 

44 Of course it is,” she declared. 44 1 have only 
known Captain Granet for a very short time. I 


128 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

like him, of course — every one must like him who 
knows him — but that’s all.” 

“ Do you know,” Lady Conyers said, a moment 
later, “ I almost hope that it is all.” 

“ And why, mother? ” 

“ Because I consider Hugh is a great judge of 
character. Because we have known Hugh since he 
was a boy, and we have known Captain Granet for 
about a week.” 

Geraldine rose to her feet. 

“You don’t like Captain Granet, mother.” 

“ I do not dislike him,” Lady Conyers replied 
thoughtfully. “ I do not see how any one could.” 

“ Hugh does. He hinted things about him — that 
he wasn’t honest — and then forbade me to tell him. 
I think Hugh was mean.” 

Lady Conyers glanced at the clock. 

“ You had better go and get ready, dear, if you 
have promised to be at Ranelagh at half-past ten,” 
she said. “ Will you just remember this? ” 

“ I’ll remember anything you say, mother,” Ger- 
aldine promised. 

“ You’re just a little impulsive, dear, at times, al- 
though you seem so thoughtful,” Lady Conyers con- 
tinued. “ Don’t rush at any conclusion about these 
two men. Sometimes I have fancied that there is a 
great well of feeling behind Hugh’s silence. And 
more than that — that there is something in his life 
of which just now he cannot speak, which is keeping 
him living in great places. His abstractions are not 
ordinary ones, you know. It’s just an idea of mine, 
but the other day — well, something happened which 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 129 

I thought rather queer. I saw a closed car turn 
into St. James’s Park and, evidently according to 
orders, the chauffeur drove very slowly. There were 
two men inside, talking very earnestly. One of them 
was Hugh ; the other was — well, the most impor- 
tant man at the War Office, who seldom, as you know, 
speaks to any one.” 

44 You mean to say that he was alone, talking con- 
fidentially with Hugh? ” Geraldine exclaimed incred- 
ulously. 

44 He was, dear,” her mother assented, 44 and it 
made me think. That’s all. I have a fancy that 
some day when the time comes that Hugh is free to 
talk, he will be able to interest you — well, quite as 
much as Captain Granet. ... Now then, dear, 
hurry. There’s the car at the door for you and you 
haven’t your hat on.” 

Geraldine went upstairs a little thoughtfully. As 
she drew on her gloves, she looked down at the empty 
space upon her third finger. For a moment there 
was almost a lump in her throat. 


CHAPTER XVI 


The two men who had walked up together arm in 
arm from Downing Street, stood for several moments 
in Pall Mall before separating. The pressman who 
was passing yearned for the sunlight in his camera. 
One of the greatest financiers of the city in close 
confabulation with Mr. Gordon Jones, the Chancel- 
lor of the Exchequer, was an interesting, almost an 
historical sight. 

44 It is a source of the greatest satisfaction to me, 
Sir Alfred,” the Minister was saying earnestly, 44 to 
find such royal and whole-hearted support in the city. 
I am afraid,” he went on, with a little twinkle in his 
eyes, 44 that there are times when I have scarcely 
been popular in financial circles.” 

44 We have hated you like poison,” the other as- 
sured him, with emphasis. 

44 The capitalists must always hate the man who 
tries to make wealth pay its just share in the sup- 
port of the Empire,” Mr. Gordon Jones remarked. 
44 The more one has, the less one likes to part with 
it. However, those days have passed. You bankers 
have made my task easier at every turn. You have 
met me in every possible way. To you personally, 
Sir Alfred, I feel that some day I shall have to ex- 
press my thanks — my thanks and the thanks of the 
nation — in a more tangible form.” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 131 

44 You are very kind,” the banker acknowledged. 
44 Times like this change everything. We remember 
only that we are Englishmen.” 

The Minister hailed a passing taxi and disap- 
peared. The banker strolled slowly along Pall Mall 
and passed through the portals of an august-looking 
club. The hall-porter relieved him of his coat and 
hat with great deference. As he was crossing the 
hall, after having exchanged greetings with several 
friends, he came face to face with Surgeon-Major 
Thomson. The latter paused. 

44 I am afraid you don’t remember me, Sir Al- 
fred,” he said, 44 but I have been hoping for an op- 
portunity of thanking you personally for the six 
ambulance cars you have endowed. I am Surgeon- 
Major Thomson, chief inspector of Field Hospitals.” 

Sir Alfred held out his hand affably. 

44 1 remember you perfectly, Major,” he declared. 
44 I am very glad that my gift is acceptable. Any- 
thing one can do to lessen the suffering of those who 
are fighting our battle, is almost a charge upon our 
means.” 

44 It is very fortunate for us that you feel like 
that,” the other replied. 44 Thank you once more, 
sir.” 

The two men separated. Sir Alfred turned to the 
hall-porter. 

44 1 am expecting my nephew in to dine,” he said, 
— 44 Captain Granet. Bring him into the smoking- 
room, will you, directly he arrives.” 

44 Certainly, sir ! ” 

Sir Alfred passed on across the marble hall. 


132 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

Thomson, whose hand had been upon his hat, re- 
placed it upon the peg. He looked after the great 
banker and stood for a moment deep in thought. 
Then he addressed the hall-porter. 

44 By-the-bye, Charles,” he inquired, 44 if you ask 
a non-member to dinner, you have to dine in the 
strangers’ room, I suppose? ” 

44 Certainly, sir,” the man replied. 44 It is just at 
the back of the general dining-room.” 

44 I suppose an ordinary member couldn’t dine in 
there alone? ” 

44 It is not customary, sir.” 

Surgeon-Major Thomson made his way to the tele- 
phone booth. When he emerged, he interviewed the 
head-waiter. 

44 Keep a small table for me in the strangers’ 
room,” he ordered. 44 I shall require dinner for 
two.” 

44 At what time, sir? ” 

Major Thomson seemed for a moment deaf. He 
was looking through the open door of the smoking- 
room to where Sir Alfred was deep in the pages of 
a review. 

44 Are there many people dining there to-night ? ” 
he asked. 

44 Sir Alfred has a guest at eight o’clock, sir,” 
the man replied. 44 There are several others, I think, 
but they have not ordered tables specially.” 

44 At a quarter past eight, if you please. I shall 
be in the billiard-room, Charles,” he added, turning 
to the hall-porter. 

Sir Alfred wearied soon of the pages of his review 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 133 

and leaned back in his chair, his hands folded in 
front of him, gazing through the window at the op- 
posite side of the way. A good many people, pass- 
ing backwards and forwards, glanced at him curi- 
ously. For thirty years his had been something 
like a household name in the city. He had been re- 
sponsible, he and the great firm of which he was the 
head, for international finance conducted on the 
soundest principles, finance which scorned specula- 
tion, finance which rolled before it the great snow- 
ball of automatically accumulated wealth. His 
father had been given the baronetcy which he now 
enjoyed, and which, as he knew very well, might at 
any moment be transferred into a peerage. He was 
a short, rather thick-set man, with firm jaws and keen 
blue eyes, carefully dressed in somewhat old-fash- 
ioned style, with horn-rimmed eyeglass hung about 
his neck with a black ribbon. His hair was a little 
close-cropped and stubbly. No one could have called 
him handsome, no one could have found him undis- 
tinguished. Even without the knowledge of his mil- 
lions, people who glanced at him recognised the at- 
mosphere of power. 

66 Wonder what old Anselman’s thinking about,” 
one man asked another in an opposite corner. 

44 Money bags,” was the prompt reply. 44 The 
man' thinks money, he dreams money, he lives money. 
He lives like a prince but he has no pleasures. From 
ten in the morning till two, he sits in his office in 
Lombard Street, and the pulse of the city beats dif- 
ferently in his absence.” 

44 1 wonder ! ” the other murmured. 


134 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

Other people had wondered, too. Still the keen 
blue eyes looked across through the misty atmos- 
phere at the grey building opposite. Men and 
women passed before him in a constant, unseen pro- 
cession. No one came and spoke to himj no one in- 
terfered with his meditations. The two men who 
had been discussing him passed out of the room pres- 
ently. One of them glanced backwards in his direc- 
tion. 

“ After all, I suppose,” he observed, as he passed 
down the hall, “ there is something great about 
wealth or else one wouldn’t believe that old Anselman 
there was thinking of his money-bags. Why, here’s 
Granet. Good fellow! I’d no idea you’d joined this 
august company of old fogies.” 

Granet smiled as he shook hands. 

“ I haven’t,” he explained. “ You have to be a 
millionaire, don’t you, and a great political bug, 
before they’d let you in? No place for poor soldiers ! 
I have to be content with the Rag.” 

“Poor devil!” his friend remarked sympatheti- 
cally, — “ best cooking, best wines in London. 
These Service men look after themselves all right. 
What are you doing here, anyhow, Granet ? ” 

“ I’m dining with my uncle,” Granet replied, 
quickly. 

“ Sir Alfred’s in there, waiting for you,” his friend 
told him, indicating the door, — “ he has been sit- 
ting at the window watching for you, in fact. So 
long ! ” 

The two men passed out and Granet was ushered 
into the smoking-room. Sir Alfred came back from 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 135 

his reverie and greeted his nephew cordially. The 
two men sat by the window for a few moments in 
silence. 

44 An aperitif? 99 Sir Alfred suggested. 44 Capi- 
tal!” 

They drank mixed vermouth. Sir Alfred picked 
up an evening paper from his side. 

44 Any news ? ” he asked. 

44 Nothing fresh,” Granet replied. 44 The whole 
world’s excited about this submarine affair. Looks 
as though we’d got the measure of those Johnnies, 
doesn’t it? ” 

44 It does indeed,” Sir Alfred agreed. 44 Two sub- 
marines, one after the other, two of the latest class, 
too, destroyed within a few miles and without a word 
of explanation. No wonder every one’s excited about 
it!” 

44 They’re fearfully bucked at the Admiralty, I 
believe,” Granet remarked. 44 Of course, they’ll pre- 
tend that they had this new dodge or whatever it 
may be, up their sleeves all the time.” 

Sir Alfred nodded. 

44 Well,” he said, 44 come in to dinner, young fellow. 
You shall entertain me with tales of your adventures 
whilst you compare our cuisine here with your own 
commissariat.” 

They passed on into the strangers’ dining-room, a 
small but cheerful apartment opening out of the 
general dining-room. The head-waiter ushered 
them unctuously to a small table set in the far 
corner of the room. 

44 1 have obeyed your wishes, Sir Alfred,” he an- 


136 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


nounced, as they seated themselves. 44 No one else 
will be dining anywhere near you.” 

Sir Alfred nodded. 

44 Knowing how modest you soldiers are in talking 
of your exploits,” he remarked to Granet, 44 I have 
pleaded for seclusion. Here, in the intervals of our 
being served with dinner, you can spin me yarns of 
the Front. The whole thing fascinates me. I want 
to hear the story of your escape.” 

They seated themselves, and Sir Alfred studied 
the menu for a moment through his eyeglass. After 
the service of the soup they were alone. He leaned 
a little across the table. 

44 Ronnie,” he said, 44 1 thought it was better to 
ask you here than to have you down at the city.” 

Granet nodded. 

44 This seems all right,” he admitted, glancing 
around. 44 Well, one part of the great work is fin- 
ished. I have lived for eleven days not quite sure 
when I wasn’t going to be stood up with my back 
to the light at the Tower. Now it’s over.” 

44 You’ve seen Pailleton?” 

44 Seen him, impressed him, given him the docu- 
ment. He has his plans all made.” 

“Good! Very good!” 

Sir Alfred ate soup for several moments as 
though it were the best soup on earth and nothing 
else was worth consideration. Then he laid down his 
spoon. 

44 Magnificent ! ” he said. 44 Now listen — these 
submarines. There was a Taube close at hand and 
I can tell you something which the Admiralty here 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 137 

are keeping dark, with their tongues in their cheeks. 
Both those submarines were sunk under water.” 

“ I guessed it,” Granet replied coolly. “ I not 
only guessed it but I came very near the key of the 
whole thing.” 

A waiter appeared with the next course, followed 
by the wine steward, carrying champagne. Sir Al- 
fred nodded approvingly. 

“ Just four minutes in the ice,” he instructed, “ not 
longer. What you tell me about the champagne 
country is, I must confess, a relief,” he added, turn- 
ing to Granet. “ It may not affect us quite so 
much, but personally I believe that the whole world 
is happier and better when champagne is cheap. It 
is the bottled gaiety of the nation. A nation of gin- 
ger ale drinkers would be doomed before they 
reached the second generation. 1900 Pommery, this, 
Ronnie, and I drink your health. If I may be al- 
lowed one moment’s sentiment,” he added, raising his 
glass, “ let me say that I drink your health from the 
bottom of my heart, with all the admiration which 
a man of my age feels for you younger fellows who 
are fighting for us and for our country.” 

They drank the toast in silence. In a moment 
or two they were alone again. 

“ Go on, Ronnie,” his uncle said. “ I am inter- 
ested.” 

“ I met Conyers the other day,” Granet proceeded, 
“ the man who commands the ‘ Scorpion.’ I man- 
aged to get an invitation down to Portsmouth to 
have lunch with him on his ship. I went down with 
his sister and the young lady he is engaged to marry. 


138 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

On deck there was a structure of some sort covered 
up. I tried to make inquiries about it but they 
beaded me off pretty quick. There was even a sentry 
standing on guard before it — wouldn’t let me even 
feel the shape of it. However, I hadn’t given up 
hope when there came a wireless — no guests to be 
allowed on board. Conyers had to pack us all off 
back to the hotel, without stopping even for lunch. 
From the hotel I got a telescope and I saw a pin- 
nace with half-a-dozen workmen, and a pilot who 
was evidently an engineer, land on board. They 
seemed to be completing the adjustments of some 
new piece of mechanism. Then they steamed away 
out of sight of the land.” 

44 A busy life, yours, Ronnie,” Sir Alfred re- 
marked, after a moment’s pause. 44 What about it 
now? I’ve had two urgent messages from Berlin 
this morning.” 

44 It’s pretty difficult,” Granet acknowledged. 
44 The 4 Scorpion ’ ’s out in the Channel or the North 
Sea. No getting at her. And I don’t believe there’s 
another destroyer yet fitted with this apparatus, 
whatever it may be.” 

44 They must be making them somewhere, though,” 
Sir Alfred remarked. 

His nephew nodded. 

44 To think,” he muttered, 44 that we’ve two hun- 
dred men spread out at Tyneside, Woolwich and 
Portsmouth, and not one of them got on to this ! A 
nation of spies, indeed! They’re mugs, uncle.” 

44 Not altogether that,” the banker replied. 44 We 
have some reports, although they don’t go far 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 139 

enough. I can put you on to the track of the thing. 
The apparatus you saw is something in the nature of 
an inverted telescope, with various extraordinary 
lenses treated by a new process. You can see forty 
feet down under the surface of the water for a dis- 
tance of a mile, and we believe that attached to the 
same apparatus is an instrument which brings any 
moving object within the range of what they call a 
deep-water gun.” 

“ Did that come from reports?” Granet asked 
eagerly. 

44 It did,” Sir Alfred said. 44 Further than that, 
the main part of the instrument is being made under 
the supervision of Sir Meyville Worth, in a large 
workshop erected on his estate in a village near 
Brancaster in Norfolk.” 

44 1 take it back,” Granet remarked. 

44 The plans of the instrument would be worth a 
hundred thousand pounds,” Sir Alfred continued 
calmly. 44 If that is impossible, the destruction of 
the little plant would be the next consideration.” 

44 Do I come in here ? ” Granet inquired. 

44 You do, Ronnie,” his uncle replied. 44 The name 
of the village where Sir Meyville Worth lives is 
Market Burnham, which, as I think I told you, is 
within a few miles of Brancaster. Geoffrey, at my 
instigation, has arranged a harmless little golf party 
to go to Brancaster the day after to-morrow. You 
will accompany them. In the meantime, Miss Worth, 
Sir Meyville Worth’s only daughter, is staying in 
London until Wednesday. She is lunching with your 
aunt at the Ritz to-morrow. I have made some other 


140 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

arrangements in connection with your visit to Nor 
folk, which will keep for the present. I see that 
some strangers have entered the room. Tell me ex- 
actly how you came by the wound in your foot? ” 

Granet turned a little around. There was a queer 
change in his face as he looked back at his uncle. 

44 Do you know the man at that corner table? ” he 
asked. 

Sir Alfred glanced across the room. 

44 Very slightly. I spoke to him an hour ago. He 
thanked me for some ambulances. He is the chief 
inspector of hospitals, I think — Major Thomson, 
his name is.” 

44 Did you happen to say that I was dining with 
you? ” 

Sir Alfred reflected for a moment. 

44 1 believe that I did mention it,” he admitted. 
44 Why? ” 

Granet struggled for a moment with an idea and 
rejected it. He drained his glass and leaned across 
the table. 

44 He’s a dull enough person really,” he remarked, 
a little under his breath, 44 but I seem to be always 
running up against him. Once or twice he’s given 
me rather a start.” 

Sir Alfred smiled. He called the wine steward 
and pointed to his nephew’s glass. 

44 The best thing in the world,” he observed drily, 
as he watched the wine being poured out, 44 for pre- 
sentiments.” 


CHAPTER XVII 


Lady Anselman stood once more in the foyer of 
the Ritz Hotel and counted her guests. It was a 
smaller party this time, and in its way a less distin- 
guished one. There were a couple of officers, friends 
of Granet’s, back from the Front on leave; Lady 
Conyers, with Geraldine and Olive ; Granet himself ; 
and a tall, dark girl with pallid complexion and bril- 
liant eyes, who had come with Lady Anselman and 
who was standing now by her side. 

“ I suppose you know everybody, my dear ? ” Lady 
Anselman asked her genially. 

The girl shook her head a little disconsolately. 

“ We are so little in London, Lady Anselman,” she 
murmured. “ You know how difficult father is, and 
just now he is worse than ever. In fact, if he weren’t 
so hard at work I don’t believe he’d have let me come 
even now.” 

“ These scientific men,” Lady Anselman declared, 
“ are great boons to the country, but as parents I 
am afraid they are just a little thoughtless. Major 
Harrison and Colonel Grey, let me present you to 
my young charge — for the day only, unfortunately 
— Miss Worth. Now, Ronnie, if you can be per- 
suaded to let Miss Conyers have a moment’s peace 
perhaps you will show us the way in to lunch.” 


142 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

Granet promptly abandoned his whispered conver- 
sation with Geraldine. The little company moved in 
and took their places at the round table which was 
usually reserved for Lady Anselman on Tuesdays. 

44 Some people,” the latter remarked, as she seated 
herself, 46 find fault with me for going on with my 
luncheons this season. Even Alfred won’t come ex- 
cept now and then. Personally, I have very strong 
views about it. I think we all ought to keep on do- 
ing just the same as usual — to a certain extent, of 
course. There is no reason why we should bring the 
hotel proprietors and shopkeepers to the brink of 
ruin because we are all feeling more or less miser- 
able.” 

44 Quite right,” her neighbour, Colonel Grey, as- 
sented. 44 I am sure it wouldn’t do us any good out 
there to feel that you were all sitting in sackcloth 
and ashes. Besides, think how pleasant this is to 
come home to,” he added, looking around the little 
table. 44 Jove! What a good-looking girl Miss Con- 
yers is ! ” 

Lady Anselman nodded and lowered her voice a 
little. 

44 She has just broken her engagement to Surgeon- 
Major Thomson. I wonder whether you know him? ” 

44 Inspector of Field Hospitals or something, isn’t 
ihe? ” the other remarked carelessly. 44 1 came across 
him once at Boulogne. Rather a dull sort of fellow 
he seemed.” 

Lady Anselman sighed. 

44 1 am afraid Geraldine found him so,” she agreed. 
44 Her mother is very disappointed. I can’t help 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 143 

thinking myself, though, that a girl with her appear- 
ance ought to do better.” 

The Colonel reflected for a moment. 

64 Seems to me I’ve heard something about Thom- 
son somewhere,” he said, half to himself. 44 By-the- 
bye, who is the pale girl with the wonderful eyes, to 
whom your nephew is making himself so agreeable? ” 

44 That is Isabel Worth,” Lady Anselman replied. 
44 She is the daughter of Sir Meyville Worth, the 
great scientist. I am afraid she has rather a dull 
time, poor girl. Her father lives in an out-of-the- 
way village of Norfolk, spends all his time trying to 
discover things, and forgets that he has a daughter 
at all. She has been in London for a few days with 
an aunt, but I don’t believe that the old lady is able 
to do much for her.” 

44 Ronnie seems to be making the running all 
right,” her neighbour observed. 

44 1 asked him specially to look after her,” Lady 
Anselman confided, 44 and Ronnie is always such a 
dear at doing what he is told.” 

Major Harrison leaned across the table towards 
them. 

44 Didn’t I hear you mention Thomson’s name just 
now? ” he inquired. 44 1 saw him the other day in 
Boulogne. Awful swell he was about something, too. 
A destroyer brought him across, and a Government 
motor-car was waiting at the quay to rush him up to 
the Front. We all thought at Boulogne that roy- 
alty was coming, at least.” 

There was a slight frown on Granet’s forehead. 
He glanced half unconsciously towards Geraldine. 


144 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

“ Mysterious sort of fellow, Thomson,” Major 
Harrison continued, in blissful ignorance of the pe- 
culiar significance of his words. “ You see him in 
Paris one day, you hear of him at the furthermost 
point of the French lines immediately afterwards, he 
reports at headquarters within a few hours, and you 
meet him slipping out of a back door of the War 
Office, a day or two later.” 

“ Inspector of Field Hospitals is a post which I 
think must have been created for him,” Colonel Grey 
remarked. 46 He’s an impenetrable sort of chap.” 

“ Was Major Thomson going or returning from 
France when you saw him last? ” Geraldine asked, 
looking across the table. 

66 Coming back. When we left Boulogne, the des- 
troyer which brought him over was waiting in the 
harbour. It passed us in mid-Channel, doing about 
thirty knots to our eighteen. Prince Cyril was 
rather sick. He was bringing dispatches but no one 
seemed to have thought of providing a destroyer for 
him.” 

“ After all,” Lady Anselman murmured, “ there is 
nothing very much more important than our hospi- 
tals.” 

The conversation drifted away from Thomson. 
Granet was making himself very agreeable indeed to 
Isabel Worth. There was a little more colour in her 
cheeks than at the commencement of luncheon, and 
her manner had become more animated. 

“Tell me about the village where you live?” he 
inquired — “ Market Burnham, isn’t it? ” 

“ When we first went there,” she replied, “ I 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 145 

thought that it was simply Paradise. That was four 
years ago, though, and I scarcely counted upon 
spending the winters there.” 

44 You find it lonely, then? ” 

She shivered a little, half closing her eyes as 
though to shut out some unpleasant memory. 

44 The house,” she explained, 44 is on a sort of 
tongue of land, with a tidal river on either side and 
the sea not fifty yards away from our drawing-room 
window. When there are high tides, we are simply 
cut off from the mainland altogether unless we go 
across on a farm cart.” 

44 You mustn’t draw too gloomy a picture of your 
home,” Lady Anselman said. 44 1 have seen it when 
it was simply heavenly.” 

44 And I have seen it,” the girl ^retorted, with a 
note of grimness in her tone, 44 when it was a great 
deal more like the other place — stillness that seems 
almost to stifle you, grey mists that choke your 
breath and blot out everything; nothing but the 
gurgling of a little water, and the sighing — the 
most melancholy sighing you ever heard — of the 
wind in our ragged elms. I am talking about the 
autumn and winter now, you must remember.” 

44 It doesn’t sound attractive,” Granet admitted. 
44 By-th e-bye, which side of Norfolk are you? You 
are nowhere near Brancaster, I suppose? ” 

44 We are within four miles of it,” the girl replied 
quickly. 44 You don’t ever come there, do you?” 

Granet looked at her with uplifted eyebrows. 

44 This is really rather a coincidence ! ” he ex- 
claimed. 44 I’ve never been to Brancaster in my life 


146 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

but I’ve promised one or two fellows to go down to 
the Dormy House there, to-morrow or the next day* 
and have a week’s golf. Geoff Anselman is going, 
for one.” 

The girl was for a moment almost good-looking. 
Her eyes glowed, her tone was eloquently appealing. 

44 You’ll come and see us, won’t you? ” she begged. 

44 If I may, I’d be delighted,” Granet promised 
heartily. 44 When are you going back? ” 

44 To-morrow. You’re quite sure that you’ll 
come ? ” 

44 1 shall come all right,” Granet assured her. 
44 I’m not so keen on golf as some of the fellows, 
and my arm’s still a little dicky, but I’m fed up with 
London, and I’m not allowed even to come before the 
Board again for a fortnight, so I rather welcome the 
chance of getting right away. The links are good, 
I suppose? ” 

44 Wonderful,” Miss Worth agreed eagerly, 44 and 
I think the club-house is very comfortable. There 
are often some quite nice men staying there. If only 
father weren’t so awfully peculiar, the place would 
be almost tolerable in the season. That reminds me,” 
she went on, with a little sigh, 44 1 must warn you 
about father. He’s the most unsociable person that 
ever lived.” 

44 I’m not shy,” Granet laughed. 44 By-the-bye, 
pardon me, but isn’t your father the Sir Meyville 
Worth who invents things? I’m not quite sure what 
sort of things,” he added. 44 Perhaps you’d better 
post me up before I come?” 

44 1 sha’n’t tell you a thing,” Isabel Worth de- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 147 

dared. “ Just now it’s very much better for you to 
know nothing whatever about him. He has what I 
call the inventors’ fidgets, for some reason or other. 
If a strange person comes near the place, he simply 
loses his head.” 

“ Perhaps I sha’n’t be welcome, then ? ” Granet 
remarked disconsolately. 

There was a flash in the girl’s eyes as she answered 
him. 

“ I can assure you that you will, Captain Granet,” 
she said. “ If father chooses to behave like a bear, 
well, I’ll try and make up for him.” 

She glanced at him impressively and Granet 
bowed. A few minutes later, in obedience to Lady 
Anselman’s signal, they all made their way into the 
lounge, where coffee was being served. Granet made 
his way to Geraldine’s side but she received him a 
little coldly. 

“ I have been doing my aunt’s behests,” he ex- 
plained. “ My strict orders were to make myself 
agreeable to a young woman who lives in a sort of 
bluebeard’s house, where no visitors are allowed and 
smiling is prohibited.” 

Geraldine looked across at Isabel Worth. 

“ I never met Miss Worth before,” she said. “ I 
believe her father is wonderfully clever. Did I hear 
you say that you were going out of town ? ” 

Granet nodded. 

“ I am going away for a few days. I am going 
away,” he added, dropping his voice, “ ostensibly for 
a change of air. I have another reason for going.” 

He looked at her steadfastly and she forgot her 


148 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


vague misgivings of a few minutes ago. After all, 
his perceptions were right. It was better for him to 
leave London for a time. 

“ 1 hope the change will do you good,” she said 
quietly. 46 1 think, perhaps, you are right to go.” 


CHAPTER XVIII 


Granet, a few days later, brought his car to a 
standstill in front of an ordinary five-barred gate 
upon which was painted in white letters “ Market 
Burnham Hall.” A slight grey mist was falling and 
the country inland was almost blotted from sight. 
On the other side of the gate a sandy drive disap- 
peared into an avenue of ragged and stunted elm 
trees, which effectually concealed any view of the 
house. 

u Seems as though the girl were right,” Granet 
muttered to himself. “ However, here goes.” 

He backed his car close to the side of the hedge, 
and laying his hand upon the latch of the gate, pre- 
pared to swing it open. Almost immediately a figure 
stepped out from the shrubs. 

“ Halt!” 

Granet looked with surprise at the khaki-clad 
figure. 

“Your name and destination?” the man de- 
manded. 

“ Captain Granet of the Royal Fusiliers, home 
f rom the Front on leave,” Granet replied. “ I was 
going up to the Hall to call on Miss Worth.” 

“ Stay where you are, if you please, sir,” the man 
replied. 

He stepped back into the sentry box and spoke 


150 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

through a telephone. In a moment or two he reap- 
peared. 

“ Pass on, please, sir,” he said. 

Granet walked slowly up the avenue, his hands be- 
hind him, a frown upon his forehead. Perhaps, af- 
ter all, things were not to be so easy for him. On 
either side he could see the stretches of sand, and 
here and there the long creeks of salt water. As he 
came nearer to the house, the smell of the sea grew 
stronger, the tops of the trees were more bowed than 
ever, sand was blown everywhere across the hopeless 
flower-beds. The house itself, suddenly revealed, was 
a grim, weather-beaten structure, built on the very 
edge of a queer, barrowlike tongue of land which 
ended with the house itself. The sea was breaking 
on the few yards of beach sheer below the windows. 
To his right was a walled garden, some lawns and 
greenhouses; to the left, stables, a garage, and two 
or three labourer’s cottages. At the front door an- 
other soldier was stationed doing sentry duty. He 
stood on one side, however, and allowed Granet to 
ring the bell. 

“ Officers quartered here ? ” Granet inquired. 

66 Only one, sir,” the man replied. 

The door was opened almost immediately by a 
woman-servant. She did not wait for Granet to an- 
nounce himself but motioned him to follow her into 
a large, circular, stone hall, across which she led him 
quickly and threw open the door of the drawing- 
room. Isabel Worth was standing just inside the 
room, as though listening. She held out her hand 
and there was no doubt about her welcome. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 151 

66 Captain Granet,” she said almost in a whisper, 
“ of course you’ll think we are all mad, but would 
you mind coming upstairs into my little sitting- 
room? ” 

“ Of course not,” Granet acquiesced. “ I’ll come 
anywhere, with pleasure. What a view you have 
from here ! ” 

He glanced through the high windows at the other 
end of the room. She laid her fingers upon his arm 
and led him towards the door. 

“ Quietly, please,” she whispered. “ Try and im- 
agine that you are in a house of conspirators.” 

She led him up the quaint stone staircase, spiral- 
shaped, to the first floor. Arrived there, she paused 
to listen for a moment, then breathed a little more 
freely and led him to a small sitting-room at the end 
of a long passage. It was a pleasant little apart- 
ment and looked sheer out over the sea. She threw 
herself down upon a sofa with a sigh of relief, and 
pointed to a chair. 

“ Do sit down, Captain Granet,” she begged. “ I 
am really not in the least insane but father is. You 
know, I got back on Wednesday night and was met 
at once with stern orders that no visitors of any sort 
were to be received, that the tradespeople were to be 
interviewed at the front gates — in fact that the 
house was to be in a state of siege.” 

Granet appeared puzzled. 

“ But why? ” 

“ Simply because dad has gone out of his senses,” 
she replied wearily. “ Look here.” 

She led him cautiously to the window and pointed 


152 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


downwards. About fifty yards out at sea was a 
queer wooden structure, set up on strong supports. 
From where they were, nothing was to be seen but 
a windowless wall of framework and a rope ladder. 
Underneath, a boat was tethered to one of the sup- 
ports. About thirty yards away, a man was rowing 
leisurely around in another small boat. 

44 That’s where father spends about twelve hours 
a day,” she said. “ What he is doing no one knows. 
He won’t even allow me to speak of it. When we 
meet at meals, I am not supposed to allude to the 
fact that he has been out in that crazy place. If 
ever he happens to speak of it, he calls it his work- 
shop.” 

44 But he is not alone there? ” Granet asked. 

44 Oh, no! There are two or three men from Lon- 
don, and an American, working with him. Then do 
you see the corner of the garden there ? ” 

She pointed to a long barn or boathouse almost 
upon the beach. Before the door two sentries were 
standing. Even f rom where they sat they could hear 
the faint whirr of a dynamo. 

44 There are twenty men at work in there,” she 
said. 44 They all sleep in the bam or the potting 
sheds. They are not allowed even to go down to the 
village. Now, perhaps, you can begin to under- 
stand, Captain Granet, what it is like to be here.” 

44 Well, it all sounds very interesting,” he re- 
marked, 44 but I should think it must be deadly for 
you. Your father invents no end of wonderful 
things, doesn’t he? ” 

44 If he does, he never speaks about it,” the girl 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 153 


answered, a little bitterly. “ All that he wants from 
me is my absence or my silence. When I came back 
the other night, he was furious. If he’d thought 
about it, I’m sure he’d have had me stay in London. 
Now that I am here, though, I am simply a pris- 
oner.” 

Granet resumed his seat and lit the cigarette 
which she insisted upon his smoking. 

66 Well,” he observed, “ it does seem hard upon 
you, Miss Worth. On the other hand, it really is 
rather interesting, isn’t it, to think that your father 
is such a man of mysteries? ” 

The girl sighed. 

66 I suppose so,” she admitted, “ but then, you see, 
father is almost brutal about taking any one into his 
confidence. He never tells even me a thing, or en- 
courages me to ask a question. I think for that 
reason I have grown rather to resent his work and 
the ridiculous restriction he places upon my free- 
dom because of it.” 

A parlourmaid entered with tea, a few minutes 
later, and Granet moved to his hostess’ side upon the 
sofa. He showed no more interest in outside hap- 
penings. He was an adept at light conversation and 
he made himself thoroughly agreeable for the next 
hour. Then he rose quickly to his feet. 

“ I must go,” he declared. 

She sighed. 

“ It has been so nice to have you here,” she said, 
“ but if you only knew how difficult it was to ar- 
range it, you’d understand why I hesitate to ask you 
to come again.” 


154 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 Why shouldn’t you come and lunch with me to- 
morrow at the Golf Club? ” he asked. 

She hesitated. It was obvious that the suggestion 
appealed to her. 

44 I believe I could,” she assented. 44 Captain 
Chalmers has a small motor-car he’d lend me, and if 
I go out with my golf clubs it would be all right. 
Very likely father will sleep out there and we sha’n’t 
see anything of him until to-morrow.” 

Granet stepped once more to the window. The 
mists had rolled up more thickly than ever and the 
queer little structure was almost invisible. A bright 
light, however, fell upon the water a little distance 
away. 

44 Your father has electric light out there,” he re- 
marked. 

44 Yes, they have a wire from the shed,” she told 
him. 44 Whatever he’s trying to do, he needs a very 
intense and concentrated light at times.” 

Granet drew a little sigh. 

44 Well, I hope it’s something that’ll do us a bit 
of good,” he said. 44 We need it. The Germans are 
miles ahead of us with regard to all new-fangled 
ideas.” 

She opened her lips and closed them again. Gra- 
net, who had suddenly stiffened into rigid attention, 
felt a quick impulse of disappointment. 

44 1 have rung the bell for my own maid,” she said. 
44 She will show you out of the place. Don’t let any 
one see you, if you can help it.” 

44 And to-morrow?” he asked. 44 You will lunch 
with me? ” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 155 

“ I will be at the Golf Club,” she promised, “ at 
one o’clock.” 

Granet was conducted almost stealthily down the 
stairs and into the avenue. Half-way to the gate he 
paused to listen. He was hidden from sight now by 
the gathering twilight and the rolling mists. From 
behind the house came the softly muffled roar of the 
tide sweeping in, and, with sharper insistence, the 
whirr of machinery from the boathouse. Granet lit 
a cigarette and walked thoughtfully away. Just as 
he climbed into the car, a peculiar light through the 
trees startled him. He stood up and watched. From 
the top of the house a slowly revolving searchlight 
played upon the waters. 


CHAPTER XIX 


It was a very cheerful little party dining that 
night at the Dormy House Club. There was Gra- 
net; Geoffrey Anselman, his cousin, who played for 
Cambridge and rowed two; Major Harrison, whose 
leave had been extended another three weeks ; and 
the secretary of the club, who made up the quartette. 

44 By-the-bye, where were you this afternoon, Cap- 
tain Granet?” the latter asked. 44 You left Ansel- 
man to play our best ball. Jolly good hiding he 
gave us, too.” 

44 Went out for a spin,” Granet explained, 44 and 
afterwards fell fast asleep in my room! Wonderful 
air, yours, you know,” he went. on. 

44 1 slept like a top last night,” Major Harrison 
declared. 44 The first three nights I was home I never 
closed my eyes.” 

Granet leaned across the table to the secretary. 

44 Dickens,” he remarked, 44 that’s a queer-looking 
fellow at the further end of the room. Who is he? ” 

The secretary glanced around and smiled. 

44 You mean that little fellow with the glasses and 
the stoop? He arrived last night and asked for a 
match this morning. You see what a miserable, 
wizened-up looking creature he is? I found him a 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 157 

twelve man and he wiped the floor with me. Guess 
what his handicap is ? ” 

46 No idea,” Granet replied. “ Forty, I should 
think.” 

44 Scratch at St. Andrews,” Dickens told them. 

44 His name’s Collins. I don’t know anything else 
about him. He’s paid for a week and we’re jolly 
glad to get visitors at all these times.” 

44 Bridge or billiards? ” young Anselman asked, 
rising. 

44 Let’s play billiards,” Granet suggested. 44 The 
stretching across the table does me good.” 

46 We’ll have a snooker, then,” Major Harrison de- 
cided. 

They played for some time. The wizened-looking 
little man came and watched them benevolently, peer- 
ing every now and then through his spectacles, and 
applauding mildly any particularly good stroke. At 
eleven o’clock they turned out the lights and made 
their way to their rooms. Shortly before midnight, 
Granet, in his dressing-gown, stole softly across the 
passage and opened, without knocking, the door of a 
room opposite to him. The wizened-looking little 
man was seated upon the edge of the bed, half- 
dressed. Granet turned the key in the lock, stood 
for a moment listening and swung slowly around. 

44 Well? ” he exclaimed softly. 

The tenant of the room nodded. He had taken ( 
off his glasses and their absence revealed a face of 
strong individuality. He spoke quietly but dis- 
tinctly. 

44 You have explored the house? 99 


158 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


“ As far as I could,” Granet replied. “ The place 
is almost in a state of siege.” 

“ Proves that we are on the right track, any way. 
What’s that building that seems to stand out in the 
water? ” 

“ How do you know about it? ” Granet demanded. 

“ I sailed out this evening, hired a boat at Bran- 
caster Staithe. The fellow wouldn’t go anywhere 
near Market Burnham, though, and I’m rather sorry 
I tried to make him. They’ve got the scares here, 
right enough, Granet. I asked him to let me the 
boat for a week and he wasn’t even civil about it. 
Didn’t want no strangers around these shores, he 
told me. When I paid him for the afternoon he was 
surly about it and kept looking at my field-glasses.” 

Granet frowned heavily. 

“ It isn’t going to be an easy matter,” he con- 
fessed. “ 1 hear the Admiralty are going to take 
over the whole thing within the next few days, and 
are sending Marines down. How’s the time? ” 

They glanced at their watches. It was five minutes 
before midnight. As though by common consent, 
they both crossed to the window and stood looking 
out into the darkness. A slight wind was moving 
amongst the treetops, the night was clear but moon- 
less. About half a mile away they could just discern 
a corner of the club-house. They stood watching it 
in silence. At five minutes past twelve, Granet shut 
his watch with a click. 

“ Not to-night, then,” he whispered. “ Collins! ” 

“ Well? ” 

“ What is going on in that wooden shanty ? ” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 159 

The little man dropped his voice. 

64 Germany lost two submarines in one day,” he 
murmured. “ The device which got them came from 
that little workshop of Worth’s. The plans are 
probably there or on the premises somewhere.” 

Granet groaned. 

“ As a matter of fact, I have been within a few* 
yards of the thing,” he said. 46 It was all fenced 
around with match-boarding.” 

44 Do you mean that you have been allowed on 
board the 4 Scorpion ’? ” 

Granet nodded. 

44 1 had the rottenest luck,” he declared. 44 1 took 
Miss Conyers and her friend down to see her 
brother, Commander Conyers. We were invited to 
lunch on board. At the last moment we were turned 
off. Through some glasses from the roof of the 
4 Ship 5 I saw some workmen pull down the match- 
boarding, but I couldn’t make out what the structure 
was.” 

44 1 can give you an idea,” Collins remarked. 

44 This fellow Worth has got hold of some system of 
concentric lenses, with extraordinary reflectors which 
enable him to see distinctly at least thirty feet under 
water. Then they have a recording instrument, ac- 
cording to which they alter the gradient of a new 
gun, with shells that explode under water. Von 
Lowitz was on the track of something of this sort 
last year, but he gave it up chiefly because Krupps 
wouldn’t guarantee him a shell.” 

44 Krupps gave it up a little too soon, then,” Gra- 
net muttered. 44 Collins, if we can’t smash up this 


160 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


little establishment there’ll be a dozen destroyers 
before long rigged up with this infernal contriv- 
ance.” 

The little man stood before the window and gazed 
steadfastly out seawards. 

“ They’ll be here this week,” he said confidently. 
“ You’d better go now, Granet. It’s all over for 
to-night.” 

Granet nodded and left the room quietly. Every 
one in the Dormy House was sound asleep. He made 
his way back to his own apartment without difficulty. 
Only the little man remained seated at the window, 
with his eyes fixed upon the bank of murky clouds 
which lowered over the sea. 


CHAPTER XX 


Isabel Worth leaned back in the comfortable seat 
by Granet’s side and breathed a little sigh of con- 
tent. She had enjoyed her luncheon party a deux , 
their stroll along the sands afterwards, and she was 
fully prepared to enjoy this short drive homewards. 

44 What a wonderful car yours is ! ” she murmured. 
44 But do tell me — what on earth have you got in 
behind ? ” 

44 It’s just a little experimental invention of a 
friend of mine,” he explained. 44 Some day we are 
going to try it on one of these creeks. It’s a col- 
lapsible canvas boat.” 

44 Don’t try it anywhere near us,” she laughed. 
44 Two of the fishermen from Wells sailed in a little 
too close to the shed yesterday and the soldiers fired 
a volley at them.” 

Granet made a grimace. 

44 Do you know I am becoming most frightfully 
curious about your father’s work? ” he observed. 

44 Are you really ? ” she replied carelessly. 44 For 
my part, I wouldn’t even take the trouble to climb 
up the ladder into the workshop.” 


162 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 But you must know something about what is go- 
ing on there? ” Granet persisted. 

44 I really don’t,” she assured him. 44 It’s some 
wonderful invention, I believe, but I can't help re- 
senting anything that makes us live like hermits, sus- 
pect even the tradespeople, give up entertaining alto- 
gether, give up even seeing our friends. I hope you 
are not going to hurry away, Captain Granet. I 
haven’t had a soul to speak to down here for months.” 

44 1 don’t think I shall go just yet,” he answered. 
44 1 want first to accomplish what I came here for.” 

She turned her head very slowly and looked at him. 
There was quite a becoming flush upon her cheeks. 

44 What did you come for?” she asked softly. 

He was silent for a moment. Already his foot 
was on the brake of the car ; they were drawing near 
the plain, five-barred gates. 

44 Perhaps I am not quite sure about that myself,” 
he whispered. 

They had come to a standstill. She descended re- 
luctantly. 

44 1 hate to send you away,” she sighed, 44 it seems 
so inhospitable. Will you come in for a little time? 
The worst that can happen, if we meet dad, is that 
he might be rather rude.” 

44 I’ll risk it with pleasure,” Granet replied. 

44 Can I see your collapsible boat? ” she asked, 
peering in behind. 

He shook his head. 

44 It isn’t my secret,” he said, 44 and besides, I don’t 
think my friend has the patent for it yet.” 

The sentry stood by and allowed them to pass, al- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 163' 

though he looked searchingly at Granet. They 
walked slowly up the scrubby avenue to the house. 
Once Granet paused to look down at the long arm of 
the sea on his left. 

“ You have quite a river there,” he remarked. 

She nodded. 

(( That used to be the principal waterway from 
Burnham village. Quite a large boat can get down 
now at high tide.” 

They entered the house and Isabel gave a little- 
gesture of dismay. She clutched for a moment at 
Granet’s arm. An elderly man, dressed in somber 
black clothes disgracefully dusty, collarless, with a 
mass of white hair blown all over his face, was walk- 
ing up and down the hall with a great pair of horn- 
rimmed spectacles clutched in his hand. He stopped 
short at the sound of the opening door and hurried 
towards them. There was nothing about his appear- 
ance in the least terrifying. He seemed, in fact,, 
bubbling over with excited good-humour. 

66 Isabel, my dear,” he exclaimed, “ it is wonder- 
ful! I have succeeded! I have changed the princi- 
ples of a lifetime, made the most brilliant optical ex- 
periment which any man of science has ever ventured 
to essay, with the result — well, you shall see. I 
have wired to the Admiralty, wired for more work- 
people. Captain Chalmers, is it not? ” he went on. 
“ You must tell your men to double and redouble 
their energies. This place is worth watching now. 
Come, I will show you something amazing.” 

He turned and led them hastily towards the back 
door. Isabel gripped Granet’s arm. 


164 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 He thinks you are the officer in command of the 
platoon here,” she whispered. 44 Better let him go 
on thinking so.” 

Granet nodded. 

44 Is he going to take us to the workshop? 99 

44 1 believe so,” she assented. 

They had hard work to keep up with Sir Meyville 
as he led them hastily down the little stretch of shin- 
gle to where a man was sitting in a boat. They 
all jumped in. The man with the oars looked doubt- 
fully for a moment at Granet, but pulled off at once 
w r hen ordered to do so. They rowed round to the 
front of the queer little structure. A man from in- 
side held out his hand and helped them up. Another 
young man, with books piled on the floor by his side, 
was making some calculations at a table. Almost the 
whole of the opening of the place was taken up by 
what seemed to be a queer medley of telescopes and 
lenses pointing different ways. Sir Meyville beamed 
upon them as he hastily turned a handle. 

44 Now,” he promised, 44 you shall see what no one 
has ever seen before. See, I point the arrow at that 
spot, about fifty yards out. Now look through this 
one, Isabel.” 

The girl stooped forward, was silent for a mo- 
ment, then she gave a little cry of wonder. She 
clutched Granet’s arm and made him take her place. 
He, too, called out softly. He saw the sandy bot- 
tom covered with shells, a rock with tentacles of sea- 
weed floating from it, several huge crabs, a multitude 
of small fishes. Everything was clear and distinct. 
He looked away with a little gasp. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 165 

^Wonderful!” he exclaimed. 

Sir Meyville’ s smile was beatific. 

“ That is my share,” he said. “ Down in the other 
workshop my partners are hard at it. They, too, 
have met with success. You must tell your men, 
Captain Chalmers, never to relax their vigil. This 
place must be watched by night and by day. My 
last invention was a great step forward, but this is 
absolute success. For the next few months this is 
the most precious spot in Europe.” 

“ It isn’t Captain Chalmers, father,” Isabel inter- 
rupted. 

Sir Meyville seemed suddenly to become still. He 
looked fixedly at Granet. 

“Who are you, then?” he demanded. “Who 
are you, sir? ” 

“ I am Captain Granet of the Royal Fusiliers, 
back from the Front, wounded,” Granet replied. “ I 
can assure you that I am a perfectly trustworthy 
person.” 

“ But I don’t understand,” Sir Meyville said 
sharply. “ What are you doing here? ” 

“ I came to call upon your daughter,” Granet ex- 
plained. “ I had the pleasure of meeting her at lunch 
at Lady Anselman’s the other day. We have been 
playing golf together at Brancaster.” 

Sir Meyville began to mumble to himself as he 
pushed them into the boat. 

“ My fault,” he muttered, — “ my fault. Captain 
Granet, I thought that my daughter knew my wishes. 
I am not at present in a position to receive guests 
or visitors of any description. You will pardon my 


166 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

apparent inhospitality. I shall ask you, sir, to 
kindly forget this visit and to keep away from here 
for the present.” 

44 I shall obey your wishes, of course, sir,” Granet 
promised. 46 1 can assure you that I am quite a 
harmless person, though.” 

44 I do not doubt it, sir,” Sir Meyville replied, 
44 but it is the harmless people of the world who do 
the most mischief. An idle word here or there and 
great secrets are given away. If you will allow me, 
I will show you a quicker way down the avenue, with- 
out going to the house.” 

Granet shrugged his shoulders. 

44 Just as you will, sir,” he assented. 

44 You can go in, Isabel,” her father directed 
curtly. 44 1 will see Captain Granet off.” 

She obeyed and took leave of her guest with a 
little shrug of the shoulders. Sir Meyville took 
Granet’s arm and led him down the avenue. 

44 Captain Granet,” he said gravely, 44 1 am an in- 
discreet person and I have an indiscreet daughter. 
Bearing in mind your profession, I may speak to you 
as man to man. Keep what you have seen absolutely 
secret. Put a seal upon your memory. Go back to 
Brancaster and don’t even look again in this direc- 
tion. The soldiers round this place have orders not 
to stand on ceremony with any one, and by to-night 
I believe we are to have an escort of Marines here as 
well. What you have seen is for the good of the 
country.” 

44 1 congratulate you heartily, sir,” Granet replied, 
shaking hands. 44 Of course I’ll keep away, if I 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 167 

must. I hope when this is all over, though, you will 
allow me to come and renew my acquaintance with 
your daughter.” 

64 When it is over, with pleasure,” Sir Meyville as- 
sented. 

Granet stepped into his car and drove off. The 
inventor stood looking after him. Then he spoke to 
the sentry and made his way across the gardens 
towards the boat-shed. 

44 1 ought to have known it from the first,” he mut- 
tered. 44 Reciprocal refraction was the one thing to 
think about.” 

Granet, as he drove back to the Dormy House, 
was conscious of a curious change in the weather. 
The wind, which had been blowing more or less dur- 
ing the last few days, had suddenly dropped. There 
was a new heaviness in the atmosphere, little banks 
of transparent mist were drifting in from seawards. 
More than once he stopped the car and, standing up, 
looked steadily away seawards. The long stretch of 
marshland, on which the golf links were situated, 
was empty. A slight, drizzling rain was falling. He 
found, when he reached the Dormy House, that 
nearly all the men were assembled in one of the large 
sitting-rooms. A table of bridge had been made up. 
Mr. Collins was seated in an easy-chair close to the 
window, reading a review. Granet accepted a cup 
of tea and stood on the hearthrug. 

44 How did the golf go this afternoon ? ” he in- 
quired. 

44 1 was dead off it,” Anselman replied gloomily. 


168 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


44 Our friend in the easy-chair there knocked spots 
off us.” 

Mr. Collins looked up and grunted and looked out 
of the window again. 

44 Either of you fellows going to cut in at 
bridge? ” young Anselman continued. 

Granet shook his head and walked to the window. 

44 I can’t stick cards in the daytime.” 

Mr. Collins shut up his review. 

44 1 agree with you, sir,” he said. 44 1 endeavoured 
to persuade one of these gentlemen to play another 
nine holes — unsuccessfully, I regret to state.” 

Granet lit a cigarette. 

44 Well,” he remarked, 44 it’s too far to get down 
to the links again but I’ll play you a game of bowls, 
if you like.” 

The other glanced out upon the lawn and rose to 
his feet. 

44 It is an excellent suggestion,” he declared. 44 If 
you will give me five minutes to fetch my mackintosh 
and goloshes, it would interest me to see whether I 
have profited by the lessons I took in Scotland.” 

They met, a few moments later, in the garden. 
Mr. Collins threw the jack with great precision and 
they played an end during which his superiority was 
apparent. They strolled together across the lawn, 
well away now from the house. For the first time 
Granet dropped his careless tone. 

44 What do you make of this change in the 
weather? ” he asked quickly. 

44 It’s just what they were waiting for,” the other 
replied. 44 What about this afternoon ? ” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 169 

44 1 am no scientist, worse luck,” Granet replied 
impatiently, 44 but I saw enough to convince me that 
they’ve got the right idea. Sir Meyville thought I 
was the man commanding the escort they’ve given 
him, — actually rowed me out to the workshop and 
showed me the whole thing. I tell you I saw it just 
as you described it, — saw the bottom of the sea, 
even the colour of the seaweed, the holes in the rocks.” 

44 And they’ve got the shells, too,” Collins mut- 
tered, 44 the shells that burst under water.” 

Granet looked around. They were playing the 
other end now. 

44 Listen ! ” he said. 

They paused in the middle of the lawn. Granet 
held up his handkerchief and turned his cheek sea- 
ward. There was still little more than a floating 
breath of air but his cheek was covered with moisture. 

44 1 have everything ready,” he said. 44 Just before 
we go to bed to-night I shall swear that I hear an 
aeroplane. You’re sure your watch is right to the 
second, Collins? ” 

44 I am as sure that it is right,” the other replied 
grimly, 44 as I am that to-night you and I, my young 
friend, are going to play with our lives a little more 
carelessly than with this china ball. A good throw, 
that, I think,” he went on, measuring it with his eye 
carefully. 44 Come, my friend, you’ll have to improve. 
My Scotch practice is beginning to tell.” 

Geoffrey Anselman threw up the window and 
looked out. 

44 Pretty hot stuff, isn’t he, Ronnie? ” he asked. 

Granet glanced at his opponent, with his bent 


170 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


shoulders, his hard face, hooked nose and thin gold 
spectacles. 

“ Yes,” he admitted quietly, “he’s too good for 


CHAPTER XXI 


At about half-past ten that evening, Granet sud- 
denly threw down his cue in the middle of a game of 
billiards, and stood, for a moment, in a listening 
attitude. 

44 Jove, I believe that’s an airship! ” he exclaimed, 
and hurried out of the room. 

They all followed him. He was standing just out- 
side the French-windows of the sitting-room, upon 
the gravel walk, his head upturned, listening intently. 
There was scarcely a breath of wind, no moon nor 
any stars. Little clouds of grey mist hung about on 
the marshes, shutting out their view of the sea. The 
stillness was more than usually intense. 

44 Can’t hear a thing,” young Anselman muttered 
at last. 

44 It may have been fancy,” Granet admitted. 

44 A motor-cycle going along the Hunstanton 
Road,” Major Harrison suggested. 

44 It’s a magnificent night for a raid,” Dickens re- 
marked, glancing around. 

44 No chance of Zepps over here, I should say,” 
Collins declared, a little didactically. 44 1 was look- 
ing at your map at the golf club only this morning.” 

They all made their way back to the house, 
Granet, however, seemed still dissatisfied. 


172 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


“ I’m going to see that my car’s all right,” he told 
them. 64 1 left it in the open shed.” 

He was absent for about twenty minutes. When 
he returned, they had finished the game of snooker 
pool without him and were all sitting on the lounge 
by the side of the billiard table, talking of the war. 
Granet listened for a few minutes and then said 
good-night a little abruptly. He lit his candle out- 
side and went slowly to his room. Arrived there, he 
glanced at his watch and locked the door. It was 
half-past eleven. He changed his clothes quickly, 
put on some rubber-soled shoes and slipped a brandy 
flask and a revolver into his pocket. Then he sat 
down before his window with his watch in his hand. 
He was conscious of a certain foreboding from 
which he had never been able to escape since his ar- 
rival. In France and Belgium he had lived through 
fateful hours, carrying more than once his life in his 
hands. His risk to-night was an equal one but the 
exhilaration seemed lacking. This work in a country 
apparently at peace seemed somehow on a different 
level. If it were less dangerous, it was also less stim- 
ulating. In those few moments the soldier blood in 
him called for the turmoil of war, the panorama of 
life and death, the fierce, hot excitement of juggling 
with fate while the heavens themselves seemed rain- 
ing death on every side. Here there was nothing but 
silence, the soft splash of the distant sea, the barking 
of a distant dog. The danger was vivid and actual 
but without the stimulus of that blood-red back- 
ground. He glanced at his watch. It wanted still 
ten minutes to twelve. For a moment then he suf- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 173 


fered his thoughts to go back to the new thing which 
had crept into his life. He was suddenly back in the 
Milan, he saw the backward turn of her head, the 
almost wistful look in her eyes as she made her little 
pronouncement. She had broken her engagement. 
Why? It was a battle, indeed, he was fighting with 
that still, cold antagonist, whom he half despised 
and half feared, the man concerning whose actual per- 
sonality he had felt so many doubts. What if 
tilings should go wrong to-night, if the whole dra- 
matic story should be handed over for the glory and 
wonder of the halfpenny press! He could fancy 
their headlines, imagine even their trenchant para- 
graphs. It was skating on the thinnest of ice — 
and for what? His fingers gripped the damp window- 
sill. He raised himself a little higher. His eyes fell 
upon his watch — still a minute or two to twelve. 
Slowly he stole to his door and listened. The place 
was silent. He made his way on tiptoe across the 
landing and entered Collins’ room. The latter was 
seated before the wide-open window. He had blown 
out his candle and the room was in darkness. He 
half turned his head at Granet’s entrance. 

“ Two minutes ! ” he exclaimed softly. 44 Granet, 
it will be to-night. Are you ready? ” 

44 Absolutely ! ” 

They stood by the open window in silence. Noth- 
ing had changed. It was not yet time for the sing- 
ing of the earliest birds. The tiny village lay behind 
them, silent and asleep; in front, nothing but the 
marshes, uninhabited, lonely and quiet, the golf club- 
house empty and deserted. They stood and watched, 


174 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

their faces turned steadfastly in a certain direction. 
Gradually their eyes, growing accustomed to the dim 
and changing light, could pierce the black line above 
the grey where the sea came stealing up the sandy 
places with low murmurs, throwing with every wave 
longer arms into the land. 

44 Twelve o’clock ! ” Collins muttered. 

Suddenly Granet’s fingers dug into his shoulder. 
From out of that pall of velvet darkness which hung 
below the clouds, came for a single moment a vision 
of violet light. It rose apparently from nowhere, it 
passed away into space. It was visible barely for 
five seconds, then it had gone. Granet spoke with a 
little sob. 

44 My God ! ” he murmured. 44 They’re coming ! ” 

Collins was already on his feet. He had straight- 
ened himself wonderfully, and there was a new alert- 
ness in his manner. He, too, wore rubber shoes and 
his movements were absolutely noiseless. He carried 
a little electric torch in his hand, which he flashed 
around the room while he placed several small arti- 
cles in his pocket. Then he pushed open the door 
and listened. He turned back, held up his finger and 
nodded. The two men passed down the stairs, 
through the sitting-room, out on to the lawn by a 
door left unfastened, and round the house to the shed. 
Together they pushed the car down the slight incline 
of the drive. Granet mounted into the driving-seat 
and pressed the self-starter. Collins took the place 
by his side. 

44 Remember,” Granet whispered, 44 we heard some- 
thing and I met you in the hall. Sit tight.” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 175 

They sped with all the silence and smoothness of 
their six-cylinder up the tree-hung road, through the 
sleeping village and along the narrow lane to Market 
Burnham. When they were within about a hundred 
yards of the gate, Granet brought the car to a stand- 
still. 

44 There are at least two sentries that way,” he 
said, 44 and if Sir Meyville told me the truth, they 
may have a special guard of Marines out to-night. 
This is where we take to the marshes. Listen. Can 
you hear anything? ” 

They both held their breath. 

44 Nothing yet,” Collins muttered. 44 Let’s get the 
things out quickly.” 

Granet hurried to the back of the car, ripping 
open the coverings. In a few moments they had 
dragged over the side a small collapsible boat of can- 
vas stretched across some bamboo joints, with two 
tiny sculls. They clambered up the bank. 

44 The creek must be close here,” Granet whispered. 
44 Don’t show a light. Listen ! ” 

This time they could hear the sound of an engine 
beating away in the boat-house on the other side of 
the Hall. Through the closely-drawn curtains, too, 
they could see faint fingers of light from the house 
on the sea. 

44 They are working still,” Granet continued. 
44 Look out, Collins, that’s the creek.” 

They pushed the boat into the middle of the black 
arm of water and stepped cautiously into it. Ta- 
king one of the paddles, Granet, kneeling down, pro- 
pelled it slowly seaward. Once or twice they ran 


176 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

into the bank and had to push off, but very soon 
their eyes grew accustomed to the darkness. By 
degrees the creek broadened. They passed close to 
the walls of the garden, and very soon they were 
perceptibly nearer the quaintly-situated workshop. 
Granet paused for a moment from his labours. 

“ The Hall is dark enough,” he muttered. 
Listen ! ” 

They heard the regular pacing of a sentinel in 
the drive. Nearer to them, on the top of the wall, 
they fancied that they heard the clash of a bayonet. 
Granet dropped his voice to the barest whisper. 

“ We are close there now. Stretch out your hand, 
Collins. Can you feel a shelf of rock ? ” 

“ It’s just in front of me,” was the stifled answer. 

“ That’s for the stuff. Down with it.” 

For a few moments Collins was busy. Then, with 
a little gasp, he gripped Granet’s arm. His voice, 
shaking with nervous repression, was still almost 
hysterical. 

46 They’re coming, Granet ! My God, they’re 

coming ! ” 

Both men turned seaward. Far away in the 
clouds, it seemed, they could hear a faint humming, 
some new sound, something mechanical in its regular 
beating, yet with clamorous throatiness of 
some human force cleaving its way through the re- 
sistless air. With every second it grew louder. The 
men stood clutching one another. 

64 Have you got the fuse ready? They must hear 
it in a moment.” Granet muttered. 

Collins assented silently. The reverberations be- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 177 

came louder and louder. Soon the air was full of 
echoes. From far away inland dogs were barking, 
from a farm somewhere the other side of the road 
they heard the shout of a single voice. 

“ Now,” Granet whispered. 

Collins leaned forward. The fuse in his hand 
touched the dark substance which he had spread out 
upon the rock. In a moment a strange, unearthly, 
green light seemed to roll back the darkness. The 
house, the workshop, the trees, the slowly flowing 
sea, their own ghastly faces — everything stood 
revealed in a blaze of hideous, awful light. For a 
moment they forgot themselves, they forgot the 
miracle they had brought to pass. Their eyes were 
rivetted skyward. High above them, something 
blacker than the heavens themselves, stupendous, 
huge, seemed suddenly to assume to itself shape. 
The roar of machinery was clearly audible. From 
the house came the mingled shouting of many voices. 
Something dropped into the sea a hundred yards 
away with a screech and a hiss, and a geyser-like 
fountain leapt so high that the spray reached them. 
Then there was a sharper sound as a rifle bullet 
whistled by. 

“ My God ! ” Granet exclaimed. “ It’s time we 
were out of this, Collins ! ” 

He seized his scull. Even at that moment there 
was a terrific explosion. A stream of lurid fire 
seemed to leap from the corner of the house, the wall 
split and fell outwards. And then there came an- 
other sound, hideous, sickly, a sound Granet had 
heard before, the sound of a rifle bullet cutting its 


178 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


way through flesh, followed by an inhuman cry. 
For a moment Collins’ arms whirled around him. 
Then, with no other sound save that one cry, he fell 
forward and disappeared. For a single second Gra- 
net leaned over the side of the boat as though to 
dive after him. Then came another roar. The sand 
flew up in a blinding storm, the whole of the creek 
was suddenly a raging torrent. The boat was swung 
on a precipitous mountain of salt water and as 
quickly capsized. Granet, breathless for a moment 
and half stunned, found his way somehow to the side 
of the marshland, and from there stumbled his way 
towards the road. The house behind him was on fire, 
the air seemed filled with hoarse shoutings. He 
turned and ran for the spot where he had left the 
car. Once he fell into a salt water pool and came 
out wet through to the waist. In the end, however, 
he reached the bank, clambered over it and slipped 
down into the road. Then a light was flashed into 
his eyes and a bayonet was rattled at his feet. 
There were a couple of soldiers in charge of his car. 

“ Hands up ! ” was the hoarse order. 

Granet calmly flashed his own electric torch. 
There were at least a dozen soldiers standing 
around, and a little company were hurrying down 
from the gates. He switched off his light almost 
immediately. 

“ Is any one hurt? ” he asked. 

There was a dead silence. He felt his arm seized 
on either side. 

“ The captain’s coming down the road,” one of the 
men said. “ Lay on to him, Tim ! ” 


CHAPTER XXII 


Granet sauntered in to breakfast a few minutes 
late on the following morning. A little volley of 
questions and exclamations reached him as he stood 
by the sideboard. 

44 Heard about the Zeppelin raid? ” 

44 They say there’s a bomb on the ninth green ! ” 

44 Market Burnham Hall is burnt to the ground ! ” 

Granet sighed as he crossed the room and took 
his seat at the table. 

44 If you fellows hadn’t slept like oxen last night,” 
he remarked, 44 you’d have known a lot more about 
it. I saw the whole show.” 

44 Nonsense!” Major Harrison exclaimed. 

44 Tell us all about it ? ” young Anselman begged. 

44 I heard the thing just as I was beginning to un- 
dress,” Granet explained. 44 1 rushed downstairs 
and found Collins out in the garden. . . . Where 
the devil is Collins, by-the-bye ? ” 

They glanced at his vacant place. 

44 Not down yet. Go on.” 

44 Well, we could hear the vibration like anything, 
coming from over the marsh there. I got the car 
out and we were no sooner on the road than I could 
see it distinctly, right/ above us — a huge, cigar- 


180 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

shaped thing. We raced along after it, along the 
road towards Market Burnham. Just before it 
reached the Hall it seemed to turn inland and then 
come back again. We pulled up to watch it and 
Collins jumped out. He said he’d go as far as the 
Hall and warn them. I sat in the car, watching. 
She came right round and seemed to hover over those 
queer sort of outbuildings there are at Market Burn- 
ham. All at once the bombs began to drop.” 

“What are they like? ” Geoffrey Anselman ex- 
claimed. 

Granet poured out his coffee carefully. 

“ I’ve seem ’em before — plenty of them, too,” he 
remarked, “ but they did rain them down. Then all 
of a sudden there was a sort of glare — I don’t know 
what happened. It was just as though some one 
had lit one of those coloured lights. The Hall was 
just as clearly visible as at noonday. I could see 
the men running about, shouting, and the soldiers 
tumbling out of their quarters. All the time the 
bombs were coming down like hail and a corner of 
the Hall was in flames. Then the lighted stuff, what- 
ever it was, burnt out and the darkness seemed as 
black as pitch. I hung around for some time, look- 
ing for Collins. Then I went up to the house to 
help them extinguish the fire. I didn’t get back till 
four o’clock.” 

“What about Collins?” young Anselman asked. 
“ I was playing him at golf.” 

“ Better send up and see,” Granet proposed. “ I 
waited till I couldn’t stick it any longer.” 

They sent a servant up. The reply came back 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 181 

quickly — Mr. Collins’ bed had not been slept in. 
Granet frowned a little. 

u I suppose he’ll think I let him down,” he said. 
44 1 waited at least an nour for him.” 

64 Was any one hurt by the bombs?” Geoffrey 
Anselman inquired. 

66 No one seemed to be much the worse,” Granet 
replied. 46 1 didn’t think of anything of that sort 
in connection with Collins, though. Perhaps he 
might have got hurt.” 

44 We’ll all go over and have a look for him this 
afternoon if he hasn’t turned up,” Anselman sug- 
gested. 44 What about playing me a round of golf 
this morning? ” 

44 Suit me all right,” Granet agreed. 44 I’d meant 
to lay up because of my arm, but it’s better this 
morning. We’ll start early and get back for the 
papers.” 

They motored down to the club-house and played 
their round. It was a wonderful spring morning, 
with a soft west wind blowing from the land. Little 
patches of sea lavender gave purple colour to the 
marshland. The creeks, winding their way from the 
sea to the village, shone like quicksilver beneath the 
vivid sunshine. It was a morning of utter and com- 
plete peace. Granet, notwithstanding a little trouble 
with his arm, played carefully and well. When at 
) last they reached the eighteenth green, he holed a 
wonderful curly putt for the hole and the match. 

44 A great game,” his cousin declared, as they left 
the green. 44 Who the devil are these fellows?” 

There were two soldiers standing at the gate, and 


182 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


a military motor-car drawn up by the side of the 
road. An orderly stepped forward and addressed 
Granet. 

66 Captain Granet? ” he asked, saluting. 

Granet nodded and stretched out his hand for the 
note. The fingers which drew it from the envelope 
were perfectly steady, he even lifted his head for a 
moment to look at a lark just overhead. Yet the 
few hastily scrawled lines were like a message of 
fate: — 

The officer in command at Market Burnham Hall 
would be obliged if Captain Granet would favour him 
with an immediate interview, with reference to the events 
of last night. 

“ Do you mean that you want me to go at once, 
before luncheon ? 99 he asked the orderly. 

The man pointed to the car. 

“ My instructions were to take you back at once, 
sir.” 

“ Come and have a drink first, at any rate,” Geof- 
frey Anselman insisted. 

The orderly shook his head, the two soldiers were 
barring the gateway. 

“ Some one from the War Office has arrived and 
is waiting to speak to Captain Granet,” he an- 
nounced. 

“ We’re all coming over after lunch,” young An- 
selman protested. “Wouldn’t that do?” 

The man made no answer. Granet, with a shrug 
of the shoulders, stepped into the motor-car. The 
two soldiers mounted motor-cycles and the little cav- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 183 

alcade turned away. Granet made a few efforts at 
conversation with his companion, but, meeting with 
no response, soon relapsed into silence. In less than 
twenty minutes the car was slowing down before the 
approach to the Hall. The lane was crowded with 
villagers and people from the neighbouring farm- 
houses, who were all kept back, however, by a little 
cordon of soldiers. Granet, closely attended by his 
escort, made his way slowly into the avenue and up 
towards the house. A corner of the left wing of the 
building was in ruins, blackened and still smoulder- 
ing, and there was a great hole in the sand-blown 
lawn, where a bomb had apparently fallen. A soldier 
admitted them at the front entrance and his guide 
led him across the hall and into a large room on the 
other side of the house, an apartment which seemed 
to be half library, half morning-room. Sir Meyville 
and a man in uniform were talking together near 
the window. They turned around at Granet’s en~ 
trance and he gave a little start. For the first time 
a thrill of fear chilled him, his self-confidence was 
suddenly dissipated. The man who stood watching 
him with cold scrutiny was the one man on earth 
whom he feared — Surgeon-Major Thomson! 


CHAPTER XXIII 


It was a queer little gathering in the drawing-room 
of Market Burnham Hall, queer and in a sense omi- 
nous. Two soldiers guarded the door. Another one 
stood with his back to the wide-flung window, the 
sunlight flashing upon his drawn bayonet. Granet, 
although he looked about him for a moment curi- 
ously, carried himself with ease and confidence. 

“ How do you do, Sir Meyville? ” he said. “ How 
are you, Thomson? ” 

Sir Meyville, who was in a state of great excite- 
ment, took absolutely no notice of the young man’s 
greeting. Thomson pointed to a chair, in which Gra- 
net at once seated himself. 

“ I have sent for you, Captain Granet,” the former 
began, “ to ask you certain questions with reference 
to the events of last night.” 

“ Delighted to tell you anything I can,” Granet 
replied. “ Isn’t this a little out of your line, though, 
Thomson? ” 

Sir Meyville suddenly leaned forward. 

“ That is the young man,” he declared. 66 1 took 
him to be the officer in command here and I showed 
him over my workshop. Quite a mistake — abso- 
Vite'iy a wrong impression ” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 185 

“ It was a mistake for which you could scarcely 
hold me responsible,” Granet protested, “ and you 
must really excuse me if I fail to see the connection. 
Perhaps you will tell me, Major Thomson, what I 
am here for? ” 

Major Thomson seated himself before the desk 
and leaned a little back in his chair. 

“We sent for you,” he said, “because we are 
looking for two men who lit the magnesium light 
which directed the Zeppelin last night to this local- 
ity. One of them lies on the lawn there, with a bullet 
through his brain. We are still looking for the 
other.” 

“ Do you imagine that I can be of any assistance 
to you? ” Granet asked. 

“ That is our impression,” Major Thomson ad- 
mitted. “ Perhaps you will be so good as to tell us 
what you were doing here last night?” 

“ Certainly,” Granet replied. “ About half-past 
ten last night I thought I heard the engine of an 
airship. We all went out on the lawn but could see 
nothing. However, I took that opportunity to get 
my car ready in case there was any excitement going. 
Later on, as I was on my way upstairs, I distinctly 
heard the sound once more. I went out, started my 
car, and drove down the lane. It seemed to be com- 
ing in this direction so I followed along, pulled up 
short of the house, climbed on the top of the bank 
and saw that extraordinary illumination from the 
marshland on the other side. I saw a man in a small 
boat fall back as though he were shot. A moment or 
two later I returned to my car and was accosted by 


186 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

two soldiers, to whom I gave my name and address. 
That is really all I know about the matter.” 

Major Thomson nodded. 

44 You had only just arrived, then, when the bombs 
were dropped? ” 

44 1 pulled up just before the illumination,” Granet 
asserted. 

Thomson looked at him thoughtfully. 

44 1 am going to make a remark, Captain Granet,” 
he said, 44 upon which you can comment or not, as you 
choose. Was not your costume last night rather a 
singular one for the evening? You say that you were 
on your way upstairs to undress when you heard the 
Zeppelin. Do you wear rubber shoes and a Norfolk 
jacket for dinner?” 

Granet for a moment bit his lip. 

44 1 laid out those things in case there was any- 
thing doing,” he said. 44 As I told you, I felt sure 
that I had heard an airship earlier in the evening, 
and I meant to try and follow it if I heard it again.” 

There was a brief silence. Granet lounged a little 
back in his chair, but though his air of indifference 
was perfect, a sickening foreboding was creeping in 
upon him. He was conscious of failure, of blind, 
idiotic folly. Never before had he been guilty of 
such miserable short-sightedness. He fought des- 
perately against the toils which he felt were gradu- 
ally closing in upon him. There must be some way 
out! 

44 Captain Granet,” his questioner continued, in 
his calm, emotionless tone, 44 according to your story 
you changed your clothes and reached here at the 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 187 

same time as the Zeppelin, after having heard its 
approach. It is four miles and a half to the Dormy 
House Club, and that Zeppelin must have been trav- 
elling at the rate of at least sixty miles an hour. Is 
your car capable of miracles? ” 

44 It is capable of sixty miles an hour,” Granet de- 
clared. 

66 Perhaps I may spare you the trouble,” Thomson 
proceeded drily, 44 of further explanations, Captain 
Granet, when I tell you that your car was observed 
by one of the sentries quite a quarter of an hour be- 
fore the arrival of the Zeppelins and the lighting of 
that flare. Your statements, to put it mildly, are 
irreconcilable with the facts of the case. I must ask 
you once more if you have any other explanation to 
give as to your movements last night? ” 

44 What other explanation can I give? ” Granet 
asked, his brain working fiercely. 44 1 have told you 
the truth. What more can I say? ” 

44 You have told me,” Major Thomson went on, 
and his voice seemed like the voice of fate, 44 that you 
arrived here in hot haste simultaneously w T ith the 
lighting of that flare and the dropping of the bombs. 
Not only one of the sentries on guard here, but two 
other people have given evidence that your car was 
out there in the lane for at least a quarter of an 
hour previous to the happenings of which I have 
just spoken. For the last time, Captain Granet, I 
must ask you whether you wish to amend your ex- 
planation ? ” 

There was a little movement at the further end of 
the room. A curtain was drawn back and Isabel 


188 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

Worth came slowly towards them. She stood there, 
the curtains on either side of her, ghastly pale, her 
hands, clasped in front of her, twitching nervously. 

44 1 am very sorry,” she said. 44 This is all my 
fault.” 

They stared at her in amazement. Only Granet, 
with an effort, kept his face expressionless. Sir 
Meyville began to mutter to himself. 

44 God bless my soul ! ” he mumbled. 44 Isabel, 
what do you want, girl? Can’t you see that we are 
engaged? ” 

She took no notice of him. She turned appeal- 
ingly towards Major Thomson. 

44 Can you send the soldiers away for a moment? ” 
she begged. 44 1 don’t think that they will be 
needed.” 

Major Thomson gave a brief order and the men 
left the room. Isabel came a little nearer to the 
table. She avoided looking at Granet. 

44 1 am very sorry indeed,” she went on, 44 if any- 
thing I have done has caused all this trouble. Cap- 
tain Granet came down here partly to play golf, 
partly at my invitation. He was here yesterday 
afternoon, as my father knows. Before he left — I 
asked him to come over last night.” 

There was a breathless silence. Isabel was stand- 
ing at the end of the table, her fingers still clasped 
nervously together, a spot of intense colour in her 
cheeks. She kept her eyes turned sedulously away 
from Granet. Sir Meyville gripped her by the 
shoulder. 

44 What do you mean, girl?” he demanded 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 189 

harshly. 44 What do you mean by all this rubbish? 
Speak out.” 

Granet looked up for a moment. 

44 Don’t,” he begged. 44 I can clear myself, Miss 
Worth, if any one is mad enough to have suspicions 
about me. I should never — ” 

44 The truth may just as well be told,” she inter- 
rupted. 44 There is nothing to be ashamed of. It is 
hideously dull down here, and the life my father has 
asked me to lead for the last few months has been 
intolerable. I never sleep, and I invited Captain 
Granet to come over here at twelve o’clock last night 
and take me for a motor ride. I was dressed, mean- 
ing to go, and Captain Granet came to fetch me. It 
turned out to be impossible because of all the new 
sentries about the place, but that is why Captain 
Granet was here, and that,” she concluded, turning 
to Major Thomson, 44 is why, I suppose, he felt 
obliged to tell you what was not the truth. It has 
been done before.” 

There was a silence which seemed composed of 
many elements. Sir Meyville Worth stood with his 
eyes fixed upon his daughter and an expression of 
blank, uncomprehending dismay in his features. 
Granet, a frown upon his forehead, was looking 
towards the floor. Thomson, with the air of seeing 
nobody, was studying them all in turn. It was he 
who spoke first. 

44 As you justly remark, Miss Worth,” he observed, 
44 this sort of thing has been done before. We will 
leave it there for the present. Will you come this 
way with me, if you please, Captain Granet? I won’t 


190 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


trouble you, Miss Worth, or you. Sir Meyville. You 
might not like what we are going to see.” 

Granet rose at once to his feet. 

44 Of course, I will come wherever you like,” he 
assented. 

The two men passed together side by side, in 
momentous silence, across the stone hall, out of the 
house, and round the back of the garden to a wooden 
shed, before which was posted a sentry. The man 
stood on one side to let them pass. On the bare stone 
floor inside was stretched the dead body of Collins. 
The salt water was still oozing from his clothes and 
limbs, running away in little streams. There was a 
small blue hole in the middle of his forehead. 

64 This, apparently,” Thomson said, 44 is the man 
who lit the magnesium light which showed the Zep- 
pelin where to throw her bombs. The thing was ob- 
viously prearranged. Can you identify him? ” 

44 Identify him ? ” Granet exclaimed. 44 Why, I 
was playing bowls with him yesterday afternoon. 
He is a Glasgow merchant named Collins, and a very 
fine golf player. He is staying at the Dormy House 
Club.” 

44 He has also another claim to distinction,” Major 
Thomson remarked drily, 44 for he is the man who 
fired those lights. The sergeant who shot him fan- 
cied that he heard voices on the creek, and crept up 
to the wall just before the flare came. The sergeant, 
I may add, is under the impression that there were 
two men in the boat.” 

Granet shook his head dubiously. 

44 1 know nothing whatever of the man or his 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 191 


movements,” he declared, 44 beyond what I have told 
you. I have scarcely spoken a dozen words to him 
in my life, and never before our chance meeting at 
the Dormy House.” 

44 You do not, for instance/ happen to know how 
he came here from the Dormy House?” 

44 If you mean did he come in my car,” Granet 
answered easily, 44 please let me assure you that he 
did not. My errand here last night was indiscreet 
enough, but I certainly shouldn’t have brought an- 
other man, especially a stranger, with me.” 

44 Thank you,” Major Thomson concluded, 44 that 
is all I have to say to you for the present.” 

44 Has there been much damage done?” Granet 
inquired. 

44 Very little.” 

They had reached the comer of the avenue. Gra- 
net glanced down towards the road. 

44 1 presume,” he remarked, 44 that I am at liberty 
to depart? ” 

Thomson gave a brief order to the soldier who 
had been attending them. 

44 You will find the car in which you came waiting 
to take you back, Captain Granet,” he announced. 

The two men had paused. Granet was on the 
point of departure. With the passing of his sudden 
apprehension of danger, his curiosity was awakened. 

44 Do you mind telling me, Major Thomson,” he 
asked, 44 how it is that you, holding, I presume, a 
medical appointment, were selected to conduct an 
inquiry like this? I have voluntarily submitted my- 
self to your questioning, but if I had had anything 


192 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

to conceal I might have been inclined to dispute your 
authority.” 

Thomson’s face was immovable. He simply pointed 
to the gate at the end of the avenue. 

“ If it had been necessary, Captain Granet,” he 
said coldly, “ I should have been able to convince you 
that I was acting under authority. As it is, I wish 
you good-morning.” 

Granet hesitated, but only for a moment. Then 
he shrugged his shoulders and turned away. 

“Good-morning, Major!” 

He made his way down to the lane, which was still 
crowded with villagers and loungers. He was re- 
ceived with a shower of questions as he climbed into 
the car. 

“ Not much damage done that I can hear,” he told 
them all. 44 The corner of the house caught fire and 
the lawn looks like a sand-pit.” 

He was driven in silence back to the Dormy House. 
When he arrived there the place was deserted. The 
other men were lunching at the golf club. He made 
his way slowly to the impromptu shed which served 
for a garage. His own car was standing there. He 
looked all around to make sure that he was abso- 
lutely alone. Then he lifted up the cushion by the 
driving-seat. Carefully folded and arranged in the 
corner were the horn-rimmed spectacles and the silk 
handkerchief of the man who was lying at Market 
Burnham with a bullet through his forehead. 


CHAPTER XXIV 


Mr. Gordon Jones rose to his feet. It had been 
an interesting, in some respects a momentous inter- 
view. He glanced around the plain but handsomely 
furnished office, a room which betrayed so few evi- 
dences of the world-flung power of its owner. 

“ After all, Sir Alfred,” he remarked, smiling, “ I 
am not sure that it is Downing Street which rules. 
We can touch our buttons and move armies and 
battleships across the face of the earth. You pull 
down your ledger, sign your name, and you can 
strike a blow as deadly as any we can conceive.” 

The banker smiled. 

“ Let us be thankful, then,” he said, “ that the 
powers we wield are linked together in the great 
cause.” 

Mr. Gordon Jones hesitated. v 

“ Such things, I know, are little to you, Sir Al- 
fred,” he continued, “ but at the same time I want 
you to believe that his Majesty’s Government will 
not be unmindful of your help at this juncture. To 
speak of rewards at such a time is perhaps prema- 
ture. I know that ordinary honours do not appeal 
to you, yet it has been suggested to me by a certain 
person that I should assure you of the country’s 
gratitude. In plain words, there is nothing you may 
ask for which it would not be our pleasure and privi- 
lege to give you.” 


194 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

Sir Alfred bowed slightly. 

“ You are very kind,” he said. “ Later on, per- 
haps, one may reflect. At present there seems to be 
only one stern duty before us, and for that one needs 
no reward.” 

The two men parted. Sir Alfred rose from the 
chair in front of his desk and threw himself into the 
easy-chair which his guest had been occupying. A 
ray of city sunshine found its way through the tan- 
gle of tall buildings on the other side of the street, 
lay in a zigzag path across his carpet, and touched 
the firm lines of his thoughtful face. He sat there, 
slowly tapping the sides of the chair with his pudgy 
fingers. So a great soldier might have sat, following 
out the progress of his armies in different countries, 
listening to the roar of their guns, watching their 
advance, their faltering, their success and their fail- 
ures. Sir Alfred’s vision was in a sense more sordid, 
in many ways more complicated, yet it, too, had its 
dramatic side. He looked at the money-markets of 
the world, he saw exchanges rise and fall. He saw 
in the dim vista no khaki-clad army with flashing 
bayonets, but a long, thin line of black-coated men 
with sallow faces, clutching their money-bags. 

There was a knock at the door and his secretary 
entered. 

“ Captain Granet has been here for some time, 
sir,” he announced softly. 

The banker came back to the present. He woke 
up, indeed, with a little start. 

“ Show my nephew in at once,” he directed. “ I 
shall be engaged with him for at least a quarter of 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 195 

an hour. Kindly go round to the Bank of England 
and arrange an interview with Mr. Williams for 
three o’clock this afternoon.” 

The clerk silently withdrew. Granet entered, a 
few minutes later. The banker greeted him pleas- 
antly. 

44 Well, Ronnie,” he exclaimed, 44 1 thought that 
you were going to be down in Norfolk for a week! 
Come in. Bring your chair up to my side, so. This 
is one of my deaf mornings.” 

Granet silently obeyed. Sir Alfred glanced around 
the room. There was no possible hiding-place, not 
the slightest chance of being overheard. 

44 What about it, Ronnie?” 

44 We did our share,” Granet answered. 44 Collins 
w r as there at the Dormy House Club. We got the 
signal and we lit the flare. They came down to 
within two or three hundred feet, and they must 
have thrown twenty bombs, at least. They damaged 
the shed but missed the workshop. The house caught 
fire, but they managed to put that out.” 

44 You escaped all right, I’m glad to see?” 

44 They got Collins,” Granet said, dropping his 
voice almost to a w T hisper. 44 He was shot by my 
side. They caught me, too. I’ve been in a few tight 
corners but nothing tighter than that. Who do you 
think was sent down from the War Office to hold an 
inquiry? Thomson — that fellow Thomson!” 

The banker frowned. 

44 Do you mean the man who is the head of the 
hospitals? ” 

44 Supposed to be,” Granet answered grimly. 44 1 


196 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


am beginning to wonder — Tell me, you haven’t 
heard anything more about him, have you? ” 

“Not a word,” Sir Alfred replied. “ Why should 
I?” 

“ Nothing except that I have an uncomfortable 
feeling about him,” Granet went on. “ I wish I felt 
sure that he was just what he professes to be. He is 
the one man who seems to suspect me. If it hadn’t 
been for Isabel Worth, I was done for — finished — 
down at that wretched hole! He had me where I 
couldn’t move. The girl lied and got me out of it.” 

Sir Alfred drummed for a moment with his fingers 
upon the table. 

“ I am not sure that these risks are worth while 
for you, Ronnie,” he said. 

The young man shrugged his shoulders. His face 
certainly seemed to have grown thinner during the 
last few days. 

“ I don’t mind it so much abroad,” he declared. 
“ It seems a different thing there, somehow. But 
over here it’s all wrong; it’s the atmosphere, I sup- 
pose. And that fellow Thomson means mischief — 
I’m sure of it.” 

“ Is there any reason for ill-feeling between you 
two ? ” the banker inquired. 

Granet nodded. 

“ You’ve hit it, sir.” 

“ Miss Conyers, eh? ” 

The young man’s face underwent a sudden 
change. 

“ Yes,” he confessed. <£ If I hadn’t begun this, if 
I hadn’t gone so far into it that no other course was 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 197 

possible, I think that I should have been content to be 
just what I seem to be — because of her.” 

Sir Alfred leaned back in his chair. He was look- 
ing at his nephew as a man of science might have 
looked at some interesting specimen. 

44 Well,” he said, 44 1 suppose you simply confirm 
the experience of the ages, but, frankly, you amaze 
me. You are moving amongst the big places of life, 
you are with those who are making history, and you 
would be content to give the whole thing up. For 
what? You would become a commonplace, easy- 
going young animal of a British soldier, for the sake 
of the affection of a good-looking, well-bred, com- 
monplace British young woman. I don’t understand 
you, Ronald. You have the blood of empire-makers 
in your veins. Your education and environment 
have developed an outward resemblance to the thing 
you profess to be, but behind — don’t you feel the 
grip of the other things ? ” 

44 1 feel them, right enough,” Granet replied. 44 1 
have felt them for the last seven or eight years. But 
I am feeling something else, too, something which I 
dare say you never felt, something which I have 
never quite believed in.” 

Sir Alfred leaned back in his chair. 

44 In a way,” he admitted, 44 this is disappointing. 
You are right. I have never felt the call of those 
other things. When I was a young man, I was friv- 
olous simply when I felt inclined to turn from the 
big things of life for purposes of relaxation. When 
an alliance was suggested to me, I was content to 
accept it, but thank heavens I have been Oriental 


198 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

enough to keep women in my life where they belong. 
I am disappointed in you, Ronnie.” 

The young man shrugged his shoulders. 

44 1 haven’t flinched,” he said. 

44 No, but the soft spot’s there,” was the grim re- 
ply. 44 However, let that go. Tell me why you came 
up? Wasn’t it better to have stayed down at Bran- 
caster for a little longer? ” 

44 Perhaps,” his nephew assented. 44 My arm came 
on a little rocky and I had to chuck golf. Apart 
from that, I wasn’t altogether comfortable about 
things at Market Burnham. I was obliged to tell 
Thomson that I saw nothing of Collins that night 
but they know at the Dormy House Club that he 
started with me in the car and has never been heard 
of since. Then there was the young woman.” 

44 Saved you by a lie, didn’t she? ” the banker re- 
marked. 44 That may be awkward later on.” 

44 I’m sick of my own affairs,” Granet declared 
gloomily. 44 Is there anything fresh up here at all? ” 

Sir Alfred frowned slightly. 

44 Nothing very much,” he said. 44 At the same 
time, there are distinct indications of a change which 
I don’t like. With certain statesmen here at the top 
of the tree, it was perfectly easy for me to carry 
out any schemes which I thought necessary. During 
the last few weeks, however, there has been a change. 
Nominally, things are the same. Actually, I seem to 
find another hand at work, another hand which works 
with the censorship, too. One of my very trusted 
agents in Harwich made the slightest slip the other 
day. A few weeks ago, he would either have been 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 199 

fined twenty pounds or interned. Do you know what 
happened to him on Wednesday? Of course you 
don’t. He was arrested at one o’clock and shot in 
half an hour. Then you saw the papers this morn- 
ing? All sailings between here and a certain little 
spot we know of have been stopped without a mo- 
ment’s warning. I am compelled to pause in several 
most interesting schemes.” 

“Nothing for me, I suppose?” Granet asked, a 
little nervously. 

Sir Alfred looked at him. 

“ Not for the moment,” he replied, “ but there will 
be very soon. Take hold of yourself, Ronnie. Don’t 
look downwards so much. You and I are walking in 
the clouds. It is almost as bad to falter as to slip, 
Confess — you’ve been afraid.” 

“ I have,” Granet admitted, “ not afraid of death 
but afraid of what might follow upon discovery. I 
am half inclined, if just one thing in the world came 
my way, to sail for New York to-morrow and start 
again.” 

“ When those fears come to you,” Sir Alfred con- 
tinued slowly, “ consider me. I run a greater risk 
than you. There are threads from this office stretch- 
ing to many corners of England, to many corners of 
America, to most cities of Europe. If a man with 
brains should seize upon any one of them, he might 
follow it backwards — even here.” 

Sir Alfred touched his chest for a moment. Then 
his hand dropped to his side and he proceeded. 

“ For twenty-eight years I have ruled the money- 
markets of the world. No Cabinet Council is held in 


200 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

this country at which my influence is not represented. 
The Ministers come to me one by one for help and 
advice. I represent the third great force of war, and 
there isn’t a single member of the present Govern- 
ment who doesn’t look upon me as the most important 
person in the country. Yet I, too, have enemies, 
Ronnie. There is the halfpenny Press. They’d give 
a million for the chance that may come at any day. 
They’d print my downfall in blacker lines than the 
declaration of war. They’d shriek over my ruin with 
a more brazen-throated triumph even than they would 
greet the heralds of peace. And the threads are 
there, Ronald. Sometimes I feel one shiver a little. 
Sometimes I have to stretch out my arm and brush 
too curious an inquirer into the place where curiosity 
ends. I sit and watch and I am well served. There 
are men this morning at Buckingham Palace with a 
V. C. to be pinned upon their breast, who faced dan- 
gers for ten minutes, less than I face day and night.” 

Granet rose to his feet. 

M For a moment,” he exclaimed, “ I had forgotten! 
. . . Tell me,” he added, with sudden vigour, 64 what 
have we done it for? You made your great name in 
England, you were Eton and Oxford. Why is it that 
when the giant struggle comes it should be Germany 
who governs your heart, it should be Germany who 
calls even to me ? ” 

Sir Alfred held out his hand. His eye had caught 
the clock. 

“ Ronnie,” he said, 66 have you ever wondered why 
in a flock of sheep every lamb knows its mother? 
Germany was the mother of our stock. Birth, life 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 201 


and education count for nothing when the great days 
come, when the mother voice speaks. It isn’t that we 
are false to England, it is that we are true to our 
own. You must go now, Ronnie ! I have an appoint- 
ment.” 

Granet walked out to the street a little dazed, and 
called for a taxi. 

“ I suppose that must be it,” he muttered to him- 
self. 


CHAPTER XXV 


Geraldine welcomed her unexpected visitor that 
afternoon cordially enough but a little shyly. 

44 I thought that you were going to stay at Bran- 
caster for a week,” she remarked, as they shook 
hands. 

44 We meant to stay longer,” Granet admitted, 
44 but things went a little wrong. First of all there 
was this Zeppelin raid. Then my arm didn’t go very 
well. Altogether our little excursion fizzled out and 
I came back last night.” 

44 Did you see anything of the raid? ” Geraldine 
inquired eagerly. 

44 Rather more than I wanted,” he answered grimly. 
44 1 was motoring along the road at the time, and I 
had to attend a perfect court martial next day, with 
your friend Thomson in the chair. Can you tell me, 
Miss Conyers,” he continued, watching her closely, 
44 how it is that a medical major who is inspector of 
hospitals, should be sent down from the War Office 
to hold an inquiry upon that raid ? ” 

44 Was Hugh really there ? ” she asked in a puz- 
zled manner. 

44 He was, and very officially,” Granet replied. 44 If 
it weren’t that I had conclusive evidence to prove 
what I was doing there, he seemed rather set on get- 
ting me into trouble.” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 203 

“ Hugh is always very fair,” she said a little 
coldly. 

“You can’t solve my puzzle for me, then?” he 
persisted. 

“ What puzzle ? ” 

“ Why an inspector of hospitals should hold an 
inquiry upon a Zeppelin raid? ” 

“ I’m afraid I cannot,” she admitted. “ Hugh 
certainly seems to have become a most mysterious 
person, but then, as you know, I haven’t seen quite 
so much of him lately. Your change, Captain Gra- 
net, doesn’t seem to have done you much good. Has 
your wound been troubling you? ” 

He rose abruptly and stood before her. 

“ Do you care whether my wound is troubling me 
or not? ” he asked. “ Do you care anything at all 
about me ? ” 

There was a moment’s silence. 

“ I care very much,” she confessed. 

He seemed suddenly a changed person. The lines 
which had certainly appeared in his face during the 
last few days, became more noticeable. He leaned 
towards her eagerly. 

“ Miss Conyers,” he went on, “ Geraldine, I want 
you to care — enough for the big things. Don’t in- 
terrupt me, please. Listen to what I have to say. 
Somehow or other, the world has gone amiss with 
me lately. They won’t have me back, my place has 
been filled up, I can’t get any fighting. They’ve 
shelved me at the War Office ; they talk about a home 
adjutancy. I can’t stick it, I have lived amongst the 
big things too long. I’m sick of waiting about, do- 


204 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

ing nothing — sick to death. I want to get away. 
There’s some work I could do in America. You un- 
derstand? ” 

“ Not in the least,” Geraldine told him frankly. 

“ It’s my fault,” he declared. “ The words all 
seem to be tumbling out anyhow and I don’t know 
how to put them in the right order. Can’t you see 
that I love you, Geraldine? I want you to be my 
wife, and I want to get right away as quickly as ever 
I can. Why not America? Why couldn’t we be 
married this week and get away from everybody? ” 

She looked at him in sheer amazement, amazement 
tempered just a little with a sort of tremulous uncer- 
tainty. 

“ But, Captain Granet,” she exclaimed, “ you can’t 
be serious! You couldn’t possibly think of leaving 
England now.” 

“ Why not? ” he protested. “ They won’t let me 
fight again. I couldn’t stand the miserable routine 
of home soldiering. I’d like to get away and forget 
it all.” 

66 I am sure you are not in earnest,” she said 
quietly. “ No Englishman could feel like that.” 

“ He could if he cared for you,” Granet insisted. 
“ I’m afraid of everything here, afraid that Thomson 
will come back and take you away, afraid of all sorts 
of hideous things happening during the next few 
months.” 

“ You mustn’t talk like this, please,” she begged. 
“ You know as well as I do that neither you nor I 
could turn our backs on England just now and be 
happy.” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 205 

He opened his lips to speak but stopped short. It 
was obvious that she was deeply in earnest. 

44 And as for the other thing you spoke of,” she 
continued, 44 please won’t you do as I beg you and not 
refer to it again for the present? Perhaps,” she 
added, 44 when the war is over we may speak of it, 
but just now everything is so confused. I, too, seem 
to have lost my bearings. ... You know that I am 
going out to Boulogne in a few days with Lady 
Headley’s hospital? Don’t look so frightened. I 
am not an amateur nurse, I can assure you. I have 
all my certificates.” 

44 To Boulogne? ” he muttered. 44 You are going 
to leave London ? ” 

She nodded. 

44 Major Thomson arranged it for me, a few days 
ago. We may meet there at any time,” she added, 
smiling. 44 1 am perfectly certain that the War Of- 
fice will find you something abroad very soon.” 

For a moment that queer look of boyish strength 
which had first attracted her, reasserted itself. His 
teeth came together. 

44 Yes,” he agreed, 44 there’s work for me some- 
where. I’ll find it. Only — ” 

She checked him hurriedly. 

44 And I am quite sure,” she interrupted, 44 that 
when you are yourself again you will agree with me. 
These are not the times for us to have any selfish 
thoughts, are they? ” 

44 Until a few weeks ago,” he told her, 44 1 thought 
of nothing but the war and my work in it — until 
you came, that is.” 


206 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

She held out her hands to check him. Her eyes 
were eloquent. 

“ Please remember,” she begged, 44 that it is too 
soon. I can’t bear to have you talk to me like that. 
Afterwards — ” 

44 There will be no afterwards for me ! ” he ex- 
claimed bitterly. 

A shade of surprise became mingled with her agi- 
tation. 

44 You mustn’t talk like that,” she protested, 44 you 
with your splendid courage and opportunities ! 
Think what you have done already. England wants 
the best of her sons to-day. Can’t you be content to 
give that and to wait? We have so much gratitude 
in our hearts, we weak women, for those who are 
fighting our battle. 5 ’ 

Her words failed to inspire him. He took her hand 
and lifted her fingers deliberately to his lips. 

44 1 was foolish,” he groaned, 44 to think that you 
could feel as I do. Good-bye! ” 

Geraldine was alone when her mother came into the 
room a few minutes later. Lady Conyers was look- 
ing a little fluttered and anxious. 

44 Was that Captain Granet? ” she asked. 

Geraldine nodded. Lady Conyers’ anxiety deep- 
ened. 

44 Well? ” 

44 1 have sent him away,” Geraldine said quietly, 
44 until the end of the war.” 

Granet brought his car to a standstill outside the 
portals of that very august club in Pall Mall. The 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 207 

hall-porter took in his name and in a few minutes his 
uncle joined him in the strangers’ room. 

“ Back again so soon, Ronnie? ” 

Granet nodded. 

“ America’s off,” he announced shortly. 44 I 
thought I’d better let you know. It must be the 
whole thing now.” 

Sir Alfred was silent for a moment. 

“ Very well,” he said at last, “ only remember this, 
my boy — there must be no more risks. You’ve been 
sailing quite close enough to the wind.” 

44 Did you call at the War Office? ” Granet asked 
quickly. 

His uncle assented. 

44 1 did and I saw General Brice. He admitted in 
confidence that they weren’t very keen about your 
rejoining. Nothing personal,” he went on quickly, 
44 nothing serious, that is to say. There is a sort of 
impression out there that you’ve brought them bad 
luck.” 

Granet shrugged his shoulders. 

44 Well,” he said, 44 they know their own business 
best. What I am afraid of is being saddled with 
some rotten home duty.” 

44 You need not be afraid of that any more, Ron- 
nie,” his uncle told him calmly. 

Granet turned quickly around. 

44 Do you mean that they don’t want to give me 
anything at all ? ” he demanded anxiously. 

Sir Alfred shook his head. 

44 You are too impetuous, Ronnie. They’re willing 
enough to give you a home command, but I have 


208 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


asked that it should be left over for a little time, so 
as to leave you free.” 

“ You have something in your mind, then — some- 
thing definite ? ” 

Sir Alfred looked out of the window for a moment. 
Then he laid his hand upon his nephew’s shoulder. 

“ I think I can promise you, Ronnie,” he said seri- 
ously, “ that before many days have passed you shall 
have all the occupation you want.” 


CHAPTER XXVI 


Surgeon-Major Thomson reeled for a moment and 
caught at the paling by his side. Then he recovered 
himself almost as quickly, and, leaning forward, gazed 
eagerly at the long, grey racing-car which was al- 
ready passing Buckingham Palace and almost out of 
sight in the slight morning fog. There was a very 
small cloud of white smoke drifting away into space, 
and a faint smell of gunpowder in the air. He felt 
his cheek and, withdrawing his fingers, gazed at them 
w r ith a little nervous laugh — they were wet with 
blood. 

He looked up and down the broad pathway. For 
nine o’clock in the morning the Birdcage Walk was 
marvellously deserted. A girl, however, who had been 
driving a small car very slowly on the other side of 
the road, suddenly swung across, drew up by the kerb 
and leaned towards him. 

“ Hugh — Maj or Thomson, what is the matter 
with you ? ” 

He dabbed his cheek with his pocket handkerchief. 

“ Nothing,” he answered simply. 

“ Don’t be silly! ” she exclaimed. “ I felt certain 
that I heard a shot just now, and I saw you reel and 
spin round for a moment. And your cheek, too — 
it’s all over blood ! ” 


210 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


He smiled. 

44 A bullet did come my way and just graze my 
cheek,” he admitted. 44 Most extraordinary thing. 
I wonder whether one of those fellows in the Park 
had an accident with his rifle.” 

He glanced thoughtfully across towards where a 
number of khaki-clad figures were dimly visible behind 
the railings. Geraldine looked at him severely. 

44 Of course,” she began, 44 if you really think that 
I don’t know the difference between the report of a 
pistol and a rifle shot — ” 

He interrupted her. 

44 1 was wrong,” he confessed. 44 Forgive me. Yon 
see, my head was a little turned. Some one did delib- 
erately fire at me, and I believe it was from a grey 
racing-car. I couldn’t see who was driving it and 
it was out of sight almost at once.” 

44 But I never heard of such a thing ! ” she ex- 
claimed. 44 Why on earth should they fire at you ? 
You haven’t any enemies, have you? ” 

44 Not that I know of,” he assured her. 

She stepped from the car and came lightly over to 
his side. 

44 Take your handkerchief away,” she ordered. 
64 Don’t be foolish. You forget that I am a cer- 
tificated nurse.” 

He raised his handkerchief and she looked for a 
moment at the long scar. Her face grew serious. 

44 Another half-inch,” she murmured, — 44 Hugh, 
what an abominable thing! A deliberate attempt at 
murder here, at nine o’clock in the morning, in the 
Park ! I can’t understand it.” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 211 


“ Well, I’ve been under nre before,” he remarked, 
smiling. 

44 Get into my car at once,” she directed. 44 I’ll 
drive you to a chemist’s and put something on that. 
You can’t go about as you are, and it will have healed 
up then in a day or two.” 

He obeyed at once and she drove off. 

44 Of course, I’m a little bewildered about it still,” 
she went on. 44 1 suppose you ought to go to the 
police-station. It was really a deliberate attempt at 
assassination, wasn’t it? If you had been — ” 

She paused and he completed her sentence with a 
humourous twinkle in his eyes. 

44 If I had been a person of importance, eh ? 
Well, you see, even I must have been in somebody’s 
way.” 

She drove in silence for some little distance. 

44 Hugh,” she asked abruptly, 44 why did the War 
Office send you down to Market Burnham after that 
Zeppelin raid? ” 

His face was suddenly immovable. He turned his 
head very slightly. 

44 Did Granet tell you that? ” 

She nodded. 

44 Captain Granet came to see me yesterday after- 
noon. He seemed as much surprised as I was. You 
were a little hard on him, weren’t you? ” 

44 1 think not!” 

44 But why were you sent down ? ” she persisted. 
44 1 can’t imagine what you have to do with a Zep- 
pelin raid.” 

He shrugged his shoulders. 


212 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

“ I really don’t think it is worth while your bother- 
ing about the bandage,” he said. 

“ Hugh, you make me so angry ! ” she exclaimed. 
“ Of course, you may say that I haven’t the right to 
ask, but still I can’t see why you should be so myste- 
rious. . . . Here’s the chemist’s. Now come inside 
with me, please.” 

He followed her obediently into the shop at the top 
of Trafalgar Square. She dressed his wound deftly 
and adjusted a bandage around his head. 

“ If you keep that on all day,” she said, “ I think 
— but I forgot. I was treating you like an ordinary 
patient. Don’t laugh at me, sir. I am sure none of 
your professional nurses could have tied that up any 
better.” 

“ Of course they couldn’t,” he agreed. “ By-the- 
bye, have you obtained your papers for Boulogne 
yet? ” 

“ I expect to be going next week. Lady Headley 
promised to let me know this afternoon. Now I’ll 
take you down to the War Office, if you like.” 

He took his place once more by her side. 

“ Hugh,” she inquired, “ have you any idea who 
fired that shot ? ” 

“None whatever,” he replied, “no definite idea, 
that is to say. It was some one who was driving a 
low, grey car. Do we know any one who possesses 
such a thing? ” 

She frowned. The exigencies of the traffic pre- 
vented her glancing towards him. 

“ Only Captain Granet,” she remarked, “ and I 
suppose even your dislike of him doesn’t go so far as 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 213 

to suggest that he is likely to play the would-be mur- 
derer in broad daylight.” 

4< It certainly does seem a rather rash and unnec- 
essary proceeding,” he assented, 66 but the fact re- 
mains that some one thought it worth while.” 

“ Some one with a grudge against the Chief Inspec- 
tor of Hospitals,” she observed drily. 

He did not reply. They drew up outside the War 
Office. 

44 Thank you very much,” he said, 44 for playing 
the Good Samaritan.” 

She made a little grimace. Suddenly her manner 
became more earnest. She laid her fingers upon his 
arm as he stood on the pavement by her side. 

44 Hugh,” she said, 44 before you go let me tell you 
something. I think that the real reason why I lost 
some of my affection for you was because you per- 
sisted in treating me without any confidence at all. 
The little things which may have happened to you 
abroad, the little details of your life, the harmless 
side of your profession — there were so many things 
I should have been interested in. And you told me 
nothing. There were things which seemed to demand 
an explanation with regard to your position. You 
ignored them. You seemed to enjoy moving in a 
mysterious atmosphere. It’s worse than ever now. I 
am intelligent, am I not — trustworthy? ” 

44 You are both,” he admitted gravely. 44 Thank 
you very much for telling me this, Geraldine.” 

44 You still have nothing to say to me? ” she asked, 
looking him in the face. 

u Nothing,” he replied. 


214 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

She nodded, slipped in her clutch and drove off. 
Surgeon-Major Thomson entered the War Office and 
made his way up many stairs and along many wide 
corridors to a large room on the top floor of the 
building. Two men were seated at desks, writing. 
He passed them by with a little greeting and entered 
an inner apartment. A pile of letters stood upon 
his desk. He examined them one by one, destroyed 
some, made pencil remarks upon others. Presently 
there was a tap at the door and Ambrose entered. 

66 Chief’s compliments and he would be glad if you 
would step round to his room at once, sir,” he an- 
nounced. 

Thomson locked his desk, made his way to the 
further end of the building and was admitted 
through a door by which a sentry was standing, to 
an anteroom in which a dozen people were waiting. 
His guide passed him through to an inner apartment, 
where a man was seated alone. He glanced up at 
Thomson’s entrance. 

“ Good morning, Thomson ! ” he said brusquely. 
66 Sit down, please. Leave the room, Dawkes, and 
close the door. Thanks ! Thomson, what about this 
request of yours? 99 

66 1 felt bound to bring the matter before you, sir,” 
Thomson replied. “ I made my application to the 
censor and you know the result.” 

The Chief swung round in his chair. 

“ Look here,” he said, “ the censor’s department 
has instructions to afford you every possible assist- 
ance in any researches you may make. There are 
just twenty-four names in the United Kingdom which 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 215 

have been admitted to the privileges of free corre- 
spondence. The censor has no right to touch any 
letters addressed to them. Sir Alfred Anselman is 
upon that list.” 

Thomson nodded gravely. 

“ So I have been given to understand,” he re- 
marked. 

The Chief leaned back in his chair. His cold grey 
eyes were studying the other’s face. 

66 Thomson,” he continued, “ I know that you arc 
not a sensationalist. At the same time, this request 
of yours is a little nerve-shattering, isn’t it? Sir 
Alfred Anselman has been the Chancellor’s right- 
hand man. It was mainly owing to his efforts that 
the war loan was such a success. He has done more 
for us in the city than any other Englishman. He 
has given large sums to the various var funds, his 
nephew is a very distinguished young officer. Now 
there suddenly comes a request fro;n you to have the 
censor pass you copies of all hi? Dutch correspond- 
ence. There’d be the very devil to pay if I con- 
sented.” 

Thomson cleared his throat for a moment. 

“ Sir,” he said, “ you and I have discussed this 
matter indirectly more than once. You are not yet 
of my opinion but you will be. The halfpenny Press 
has sickened us so with the subject of spies that the 
man who groans about espionage to-day is avoided 
like a pestilence. Yet it is my impression that there 
is in London, undetected and unsuspected, a marvel- 
lous system of German espionage, a company of men 
who have sold themselves to the enemy, whose names 


216 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

we should have considered above reproach. It is my 
job to sift this matter to the bottom. I can only 
do so if you will give me supreme power over the 
censorship.” 

44 Look here, Thomson,” the Chief demanded, 
46 you don’t suspect Sir Alfred Anselman? ” 

46 1 do, sir ! ” 

The Chief was obviously dumbfounded. He sat, 
for a few moments, thinking. 

44 You’re a sane man, too, Thomson,” he muttered, 
44 but it’s the most astounding charge I’ve ever 
heard.” 

44 It’s the most astounding conspiracy,” Thomson 
replied. 44 1 was in Germany a few weeks ago, as you 
know.” 

44 1 heard all about it. A very brilliant but a very 
dangerous exploit, that of yours, Thomson.” 

44 1 will tell you my impressions, sir,” the latter 
continued. 44 The ignorance displayed in the German 
newspapers about England is entirely a matter of 
censorship. Their actual information as regards 
every detail of our military condition is simply 
amazing. They know exactly what munitions are 
reaching our shores from abroad, they know how we 
are paying for them, they know exactly our financial 
condition, they know all about our new guns, they 
know just how many men we could send over to 
France to-morrow and how many we could get 
through in three months’ time. They know the pri- 
vate views of every one of the Cabinet Ministers. 
They knew in Berlin yesterday what took place at 
the Cabinet Council the day before. You must real- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 217 

ise yourself that some of this is true. How does the 
information get through? ” 

“ There are spies, of course,” the Chief admitted. 

“ The ordinary spy could make no such reports as 
the Germans are getting hour by hour. If I am to 
make a success of my job, I want the letters of Sir 
Alfred Anselman.” 

The Chief considered for several moments. Then 
he wrote a few lines on a sheet of paper. 

44 There’ll be the perfect devil to pay,” he said 
simply. 44 We shall have Cabinet Ministers running 
about the place like black beetles. What’s the matter 
with your head? ” 

44 I was shot at in the Park,” Thomson explained. 
44 A man had a flying go at me from a motor-car.” 

44 Was he caught? ” 

Thomson shook his head. 

44 1 didn’t try,” he replied. 44 1 want him at lib- 
erty. His time will come when I break up this con- 
spiracy, if I do it at all.” 

The Chief looked a little aggrieved. 

44 No one’s even let off a pop-gun at me,” he 
grumbled. 44 They must think you’re the more dan- 
gerous of the two, Thomson. You’d better do what 
you can with that order as soon as possible. No tell- 
ing how soon I may have to rescind it.” 

Thomson took the hint and departed. He walked 
quickly back to his room, thrust the order he had 
received into an envelope, and sent it round to the 
Censor’s Department. 


CHAPTER XXVII 


Mr. Gordon Jones, who had moved his chair a little 
closer to his host’s side, looked reflectively around the 
dining-room as he sipped his port. The butler re- 
mained on sufferance because of his grey hairs, but 
the footmen, who had been rather a feature of the 
Anselman establishment, had departed, and their 
places had been filled by half a dozen of the smartest 
of parlourmaids, one or two of whom were still in 
evidence. 

44 Yours is certainly one of the most patriotic 
households, Sir Alfred, which I have entered,” he 
declared. 44 Tell me again, how many servants have 
you sent to the war P ” 

Sir Alfred smiled with the air of one a little proud 
of his record. , 

44 Four footmen and two chauffeurs from here, 
eleven gardeners and three indoor servants from the 
country,” he replied. 44 That is to say nothing 
about the farms, where I have left matters in the 
hands of my agents. I am paying the full wages 
to evefy one of them.” 

44 And thank heavens you’ll still have to pay us a 
little super-tax,” the Cabinet Minister remarked, 
smiling. 

Sir Alfred found nothing to dismay him in the 
prospect. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 219 

44 You shall have every penny of it, my friend,” he 
promised. 44 1 have taken a quarter of a million of 
your war loan and I shall take the same amount of 
your next one. I spend all my time upon your com- 
mittees, my own affairs scarcely interest me, and yet 
I thought to-day, when my car was stopped to let a 
company of the London Regimeht march down to 
Charing-Cross, that there wasn’t one of those khaki- 
clad young men who wasn’t offering more than I.” 

The Bishop leaned forward from his place. 

44 Those are noteworthy words of yours, Sir Al- 
fred,” he said. 44 There is nothing in the whole world 
so utterly ineffective as our own passionate grati- 
tude must seem to ourselves when we think of all those 
young fellows — not soldiers, you know, but young 
men of peace, fond of their pleasures, their games, 
their sweethearts, their work — throwing it all on 
one side, passing into another life, passing into the 
valley of shadows. I, too, have seen those young 
men, Sir Alfred.” 

The conversation became general. The host of 
this little dinner-party leaned back in his place for 
a moment, engrossed in thought. It was a yery dis- 
tinguished, if not a large company. There were 
three Cabinet Ministers, a high official in the War 
Office, a bishop, a soldier of royal blood back for a 
few days from the Front, and his own nephew — 
Granet. He sat and looked round at them and a 
queer little smile played upon his lips. If only the 
truth were known, the world had never seen a 
stranger gathering. It was a company which the 
King himself might have been proud to gather 


220 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

around him ; serious, representative Englishmen — 
Englishmen, toQ, of great position. There was not 
one of them who had not readily accepted his invita- 
tion, there was not one of them who was not proud to 
sit at his table, there was not one of them who did 
not look upon him as one of the props of the Empire. 

There was a little rustle as one of the new par- 
lourmaids walked smoothly to his side and presented 
a silver salver. He took the single letter from her, 
glanced at it for a moment carelessly and then felt as 
though the fingers which held it had been pierced by 
red-hot wires. The brilliant little company seemed 
suddenly to dissolve before his eyes. He saw noth- 
ing but the marking upon that letter, growing larger 
and larger as he gazed, the veritable writing of fate 
pressed upon the envelope by a rubber stamp — by 
the hand, perchance, of a clerk — “ Opened by Cen- 
sor.” 

There was a momentary singing in his ears. He 
looked at his glass, found it full, raised it to his lips 
and drained it. The ghastly moment of suspended 
animation passed. He felt no longer that he was in 
a room from which all the air had been drawn. He 
was himself again but the letter was there. Mr. 
Gordon Jones, who had been talking to the bishop, 
leaned towards him and pointed to the envelope. 

64 Is that yours, Sir Alfred? ” he asked. 

Sir Alfred nodded. 

“ Becoming a little more stringent, I see,” he ob- 
served, holding it up. 

“ I thought I recognised the mark,” the other re- 
plied. 66 A most outrageous mistake ! I am very 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 221 


glad that it came under mj notice. You are abso- 
lutely free from the censor, Sir Alfred.” 

“I thought so myself,” Sir Alfred remarked. 
44 However, I suppose an occasional mistake can 
scarcely be wondered at. Don’t worry them about 
it, please. My Dutch letters are simply records of 
the balances at my different banks, mere financial 
details.” 

44 All the same,” Mr. Gordon Jones insisted, 
44 there has been gross neglect somewhere. I will see 
that it is inquired into to-morrow morning.” 

44 Very kind of you,” Sir Alfred declared. 44 As 
you know, I have been able to give you fragments of 
information now and then which would cease at once, 
of course, if my correspondence as a whole were sub- 
ject to censorship. An occasional mistake like this 
is nothing.” 

There was another interruption. This time a mes- 
sage had come from the House — Ministers would 
be required within the next twenty minutes. The 
little party — it was a men’s dinner-party only — 
broke up. Very soon Sir Alfred and his nephew were 
left alone. Sir Alfred’s fingers shook for a moment 
as he tore open the seal of his letter. He glanced 
through the few lines it contained and breathed a 
sigh of relief. 

44 Come this way, Ronnie,” he invited. 

They left the dining-room and, eschewing the in- 
viting luxuries of the billiard room and library, 
passed into a small room behind, plainly furnished as 
a business man’s study. Granet seized his uncle by 
the arm. 


222 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


“ It’s coded, I suppose? ” 

Sir Alfred nodded. 

“ It’s coded, Ronnie, and between you and me I 
don’t believe they’ll be able to read it, but whose 
doing is that? ” he added, pointing with his finger 
to the envelope. 

“ It must have been a mistake,” Granet muttered. 

Sir Alfred glanced towards the closed door. 
Without a doubt they were alone. 

<fi I don’t know,” he said. “ Mistakes of this sort 
don’t often occur. As I looked around to-night, 
Ronnie, I thought — I couldn’t help thinking that 
our position was somewhat wonderful. Does it mean 
that this is the first breath of suspicion, I wonder? 
Was it really only my fancy, or did I hear to-night 
the first mutterings of the storm?” 

“ No one can possibly suspect,” Granet declared, 
“ no one who could have influence enough to override 
your immunity from censorship. It must have been 
an accident.” 

“ I wonder ! ” Sir Alfred muttered. 

“ Can’t you decode it ? ” Granet asked eagerly. 

There may be news.” 

Sir Alfred re-entered the larger library and was 
absent for several minutes. When he returned, the 
message was written out in lead pencil : — 

Leave London June 4th. Have flares midnight Buck- 
ingham Palace, St. Paul’s steps, gardens in front of 
Savoy. Your last report received. 

, Granet glanced eagerly back at the original mes- 
sage. It consisted of a few perfectly harmless sen- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 223 

tences concerning various rates of exchange. He 
gave it to his uncle with a smile. 

“ I shouldn’t worry about that, sir,” he advised. 

“ It isn’t the thing itself I worry about,” Sir Al- 
fred said thoughtfully, — 44 they’ll never decode that 
message. It’s the something that lies behind it. 
It’s the pointing finger, Ronnie. I thought we’d last 
it out, at any rate. Things look different now. 
You’re serious, I suppose? You don’t want to go to 
America? ” 

“ I don’t,” Granet replied grimly. 44 That’s all 
finished, for the present. You know very well what 
it is I do want.” 

Sir Alfred frowned. 

44 There are plenty of wild enterprises afoot,” he 
admitted, 44 but I don’t know, after all, that I wish 
you particularly to be mixed up in them.” 

44 1 can’t hang about here much longer,” his 
nephew grumbled. 44 1 get the fever in my blood to 
be doing something. I had a try this morning.” 

His uncle looked at him for a moment. 

44 This morning,” he repeated. 44 Well? ” 

Granet thrust his hands into his trousers pockets. 
There was a frown upon his fine forehead. 

44 It’s that man I told you about,” he said bitterly, 
— 44 the man I hate. He’s nobody of any account 
but he always seems to be mixed up in any little 
trouble I find myself in. I got out of that affair 
down at Market Burnham without the least trouble, 
and then, as you know, the War Office sent him 
down, of all the people on earth, to hold an inquiry. 
Sometimes I think that he suspects me. I met him 


224 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

at a critical moment on the battlefield near Niemen. 
I always believed that he heard me speaking German 
— it was just after I had come back across the 
lines. The other day — - well, I told you about that. 
Isabel Worth saved me or I don’t know where I 
should have been. I think I shall kill that man ! ” 

44 What did you say his name wasp” Sir Alfred 
asked, with sudden eagerness. 

44 Thomson.” 

There was a moment’s silence. Sir Alfred’s ex- 
pression was curiously tense. He leaned across the 
table towards his nephew. 

44 Thomson ? ” he repeated. 44 My God ! I knew 
there was something I meant to tell you. Don’t you 
know, Ronnie? — but of course you don’t. You’re 
sure it’s Thomson — Surgeon-Major Thomson?” 

44 That’s the man.” 

44 He is the man with the new post,” Sir Alfred 
declared hoarsely. 44 He is the head of the whole 
Military Intelligence Department! They’ve set him 
up at the War Office. They’ve practically given him 
unlimited powers.” 

44 Why, I thought he was inspector of Field Hos- 
pitals ! ” Granet gasped. 

44 A blind ! ” his uncle groaned. 44 He is nothing 
of the sort. He’s Kitchener’s own man, and this,” 
he added, looking at the letter, 44 must be his work ! rj 


CHAPTER XXVIII 


Surgeon-Major Thomson looked up almost eagerly 
as Ambrose entered his room the next morning. The 
young man’s manner was dejected and there were 
black lines under his eyes. He answered his chief’s 
unspoken question by a little shake of the head. 

44 No luck, sir,” he announced. 44 1 spent the whole 
of last night at it, too — never went to bed at all. 
I’ve tried it with thirty-one codes. Then I’ve taken 
the first line or two and tried every possible change.” 

44 1 couldn’t make anything of it myself,” Thom- 
son confessed, looking at the sheet of paper which 
even at that moment was spread out before him. 
44 All the same, Ambrose, I don’t believe in it.” 

44 Neither do I, sir,” the other assented eagerly. 
44 1 am going to have another try this afternoon. 
Perhaps there’ll be some more letters in then and we 
can tell whether there’s any similarity.” 

Thomson frowned. 

44 I’ve a sort of feeling, Ambrose,” he said, 44 that 
we sha’n’t have many of these letters.” 

44 Why not, sir? ” 

44 1 heard by telephone, just before you came,”i 
Thomson announced, 44 that a certain very distin- 
guished person was on his way to see me. Cabinet 
Ministers don’t come here for nothing, and this one 
happens to be a friend of Sir Alfred’s.” 


226 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

Ambrose sighed. 

46 More interference, sir,” he groaned. “ I don’t 
see how they can expect us to run our department 
with the civilians butting in wherever they like. 
They want us to save the country and they’re to have 
the credit for it.” 

There was a knock at the door. A boy scout en- 
tered. His eyes were a little protuberant, his man- 
ner betokened awe. 

“Mr. Gordon Jones, sir!” 

Mr. Gordon Jones entered without waiting for 
any further announcement. Thomson rose to his 
feet and received a genial handshake, after which the 
newcomer glanced at Ambrose. Thomson signed to 
his assistant to leave the room. 

“ Major Thomson,” the Cabinet Minister began 
impressively, as he settled down in his chair, “ I have 
come here to confer with you, to throw myself, to a 
certain extent, upon your understanding and your 
common sense,” he added, speaking with the pleased 
air of a man sure of his ground and himself. 

“ You have come to protest, I suppose,” Thomson 
said slowly, “ against our having — ” 

“ To protest against nothing, my dear sir,” the 
other interrupted. “ Simply to explain to you, as I 
have just explained to your Chief, that while we pos- 
sess every sympathy with, and desire to give every 
latitude in the world to the military point of view, 
there are just one or two very small matters in which 
we must claim to have a voice. We have, as you 
know, a free censorship list. We have put no one 
upon it who is not far and away above all suspicion. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 227 

I am given to understand that a letter addressed to 
Sir Alfred Anselman was opened yesterday. I went 
to see your Chief about it this morning. He has re- 
ferred me to you.” 

44 The letter,” Thomson remarked, 44 was opened 
by my orders.” 

44 1 happened,” Mr. Gordon Jones went on, 44 to be 
dining at Sir Alfred’s house when the letter was pre- 
sented. Sir Alfred, I must say, took it exceedingly 
well. At the same time, I have made it my business 
to see that this does not occur again.” 

Thomson made no sign. His eyebrows, however, 
rose a little higher. 

44 The country,” his visitor continued, 44 will 
know some day what it owes to Sir Alfred Anselman. 
At present I can only express, and that poorly, my 
sense of personal obligation to him. He has been of 
the greatest assistance to the Government in the city 
and elsewhere. His contributions to our funds have 
been magnificent; his advice, his sympathy, invalu- 
able. He is a man inspired by the highest patriotic 
sentiments, one of the first and most noteworthy of 
British citizens.” 

Thomson listened in silence and without interrup- 
tion. He met the well-satisfied peroration of his vis- 
itor without comment. 

44 1 am hoping to hear,” the latter concluded, with 
some slight asperity in his manner, 44 that the circum- 
stance to which I have alluded was accidental and will 
not be repeated.” 

Major Thomson glanced thoughtfully at a little 
pile of documents by his side. Then he looked coldly 


228 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

towards his visitor and provided him, perhaps, with 
one of the most complete surprises of his life. 

44 I am sorry, Mr. Gordon Jones,” he said, 44 but 
this is not a matter which I can discuss with you.” 

The Cabinet Minister’s face was a study. 

44 Not discuss it? ” he repeated blankly. 

Major Thomson shook his head. 

44 Certain responsibilities,” he continued quietly, 
44 with regard to the safe conduct of this country, 
have been handed over to the military authorities, 
which in this particular case I represent. We are 
in no position for amenities or courtesies. Our coun- 
try is in the gravest danger and nothing else is of 
the slightest possible significance. The charge which 
we have accepted we shall carry out with regard to 
one thing only, and that is our idea of what is due 
to the public safety.” 

44 You mean, in plain words,” Mr. Gordon Jones 
exclaimed, 44 that no requests from me or say, for in- 
stance, the Prime Minister, would have any weight 
with you? ” 

44 None whatever,” Major Thomson replied coolly. 
44 Without wishing to be in any way personal, I 
might say that there are statesmen in your Govern- 
ment, for whom you must accept a certain amount 
of responsibility, who have been largely instrumental 
in bringing this hideous danger upon the country. 
As a company of law-makerst you may or may not be 
excellent people — that is, I suppose, according to 
one’s political opinions. As a company of men com- 
petent to superintend the direction of a country at 
war, you must permit me to say that I consider you 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 229 

have done well in placing certain matters in our 
hands, and that you will do better still not to inter- 
fere.” 

Mr. Gordon Jones sat quite still for several mo- 
ments. 

44 Major Thomson,” he said at last, 44 1 have never 
heard of you before, and I am not prepared for a 
moment to say that I sympathise with your point of 
view. But it is at least refreshing to hear any one 
speak his mind with such frankness. I must now 
ask you one question, whether you choose to answer 
it or not. The letter which you have opened, ad- 
dressed to Sir Alfred — you couldn’t possibly find 
any fault with it? ” 

44 It was apparently a quite harmless production,” 
Major Thomson confessed. 

44 Do you propose to open any more? ” 

Thomson shook his head. 

44 That is within our discretion, sir.” 

Mr. Gordon Jones struggled with his obvious an- 
noyance. 

44 Look here,” he said, with an attempt at good- 
humour, 44 you can at least abandon the official atti- 
tude for a moment with me. Tell me why, of all 
men in the world, you have chosen to suspect Sir Al- 
fred Anselman ? ” 

44 1 am sorry,” Thomson replied stiffly, 66 but this 
is not a matter which I can discuss in any other way 
except officially, and I do not recognise you as having 
any special claims for information.” 

The Minister rose to his feet. Those few minutes 
marked to him an era in his official life. 


230 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


44 You are adopting an attitude, sir,” he said, 
44 which, however much I may admire it from one 
point of view, seems to me scarcely to take into ac- 
count the facts of the situation.” 

Thomson made no reply. He had risen to his feet. 
His manner clearly indicated that he considered the 
interview at an end. Mr. Gordon Jones choked down 
his displeasure. 

64 When you are wanting a civil job, Major Thom- 
son,” he concluded, 46 come and give us a call. Good 
morning! ” 


CHAPTER XXIX 


66 A lady to see you, sir,” Jarvis announced dis- 
creetly. 

Granet turned quickly around in his chair. Al- 
most instinctively he pulled down the roll top of the 
desk before which he was seated. Then he rose to his 
feet and held out his hand. He managed with an 
effort to conceal the consternation which had suc- 
ceeded his first impulse of surprise. 

46 Miss Worth! ” he exclaimed. 

She came towards him confidently, her hands out- 
stretched, slim, dressed in sober black, her cheeks as 
pale as ever, her eyes a little more brilliant. She 
threw her muff into a chair and a moment afterwards 
sank into it herself. 

44 You have been expecting me?” she asked ea- 
gerly. 

Granet was a little taken aback. 

64 1 have been hoping to hear from you,” he said. 
44 You told me, if you remember, not to write.” 

44 It was better not,” she assented. 44 Even after 
you left I had a great deal of trouble. That odious 
man, Major Thomson, put me through a regular 
cross-examination again, and I had to tell bun at 
last — ” 

44 What? ” Granet exclaimed anxiously. 


232 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 That we were engaged to be married,” she con- 
fessed. 44 There was really no other way out of it.” 

44 That we were engaged,” Granet repeated 
blankly. 

She nodded. 

44 He pressed me very hard,” she went on, 44 and 
I am afraid I made some admissions — well, they 
were necessary — which, to say the least of it, were 
compromising. There was only one way out of it 
decently for me, and I took it. You don’t mind? ” 

44 Of course not,” he replied. 

44 There was father to be considered,” she went on. 
44 He was furious at first — ” 

44 You told your father? ” he interrupted. 

44 1 had to,” she explained, smoothing her muff. 
44 He was there all the time that Thomson man was 
cross-examining me.” 

44 Then your father believes in our engagement, 
too ? ” 

44 He does,” she answered drily, 44 or I am afraid 
you would have heard a little more from Major 
Thomson before now. Ever since that night, father 
has been quite impossible to live with. He says he 
has to begin a part of his work all over again.” 

44 The bombs really did do some damage, then? ” 
he asked. 

She nodded, looking at him for a moment curiously. 

44 Yes,” she acknowledged, 44 they did more harm 
than any one knows. The place is like a fortress 
now. They say that if they can find the other man 
who helped to light that flare, he will be shot in five 
minutes.” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 233 

Granet, who had been standing with his elbow 
upon the mantelpiece, leaned over and took a ciga- 
rette from a box. 

44 Then, for his sake, let us hope that they do not 
find him,” he remarked. 

44 And ours,” she said softly. 

Granet stood and looked at her steadfastly, the 
match burning in his fingers. Then he threw it away 
and lit another. The interval had been full of unad- 
mitted tension, which suddenly passed. 

44 Shall you think I am horribly greedy,” she 
asked, 44 if I say that I should like something to eat ? 
I am dying of hunger.” 

Granet for a moment was startled. Then he moved 
towards the bell. 

44 How absurd of me ! ” he exclaimed. 44 Of course* 
you have just come up, haven’t you? ” 

44 1 have come straight from the station here,” sh* 
replied. 

He paused. 

44 Where are you staying, then ? ” 

She shook her head. 

44 1 don’t know yet,” she admitted. 

44 You don’t know? ” he repeated. 

She met his gaze without flinching. There was a 
little spot of colour in her cheeks, however, and her 
lips quivered. 

44 You see,” she explained, 44 things became abso- 
lutely impossible for me at Market Burnham. I 
won’t say that they disbelieved me — not my father, 
at any rate — but he seems to think that it was 
somehow my fault — that if you hadn’t been there 


234 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

that night the thing wouldn’t have happened. I am 
watched the whole of the time, in fact not a soul has 
said a civil word to me — since you left. I just 
couldn’t stand it any longer. I packed up this 
morning and I came away without saying a word to 
any one.” 

Granet glanced at the clock. It was a quarter 
past ten. 

44 Well, the first thing to do is to get you something 
to eat,” he said, ringing the bell. 44 Do you mind 
having something here or would you like to go to a 
restaurant? ” 

44 1 should much prefer having it here,” she de- 
clared. 44 1 am not fit to go anywhere, and I am 
tired.” 

He rang the bell and gave Jarvis a few orders. 
The girl stood up before the glass, took off her hat 
and smoothed her hair with her hands. She had the 
air of being absolutely at home. 

44 Did you come up without any luggage at all ? ” 
he asked. 

She shook her head. 

44 1 have a dressing-bag and a few things down- 
stairs on a taxicab,” she said. 44 1 told the man to 
stop his engine and wait for a time — until I had 
seen you,” she added, turning around. 

There was a very slight smile upon her lips, the 
glimmer of something that was almost appealing, in 
her eves. Granet took her hand and patted it kindly. 
Her response was almost hysterical. 

44 It’s very sweet of you to trust me like this,” he 
said. 44 Jarvis will bring you in something to eat, 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 235 

then I’ll take you round to your aunt’s. Where is 
it she lives — somewhere in Kensington* isn’t it? To- 
morrow we must talk things over.” 

She threw herself back once more in the easychair 
and glanced around her. 

“ I should like,” she decided, 44 to talk them over 
now.” 

He glanced towards the door. 

<fi Just as you please,” he said, 44 only Jarvis will be 
in with your sandwiches directly.” 

She brushed aside his protest. 

“ I was obliged,” she continued, 46 to say that I was 
engaged to you, to save you from something — I 
don’t know what. The more I have thought about 
it, the more terrible it has all seemed. I am not go- 
ing to even ask you for any explanation. I — I 
daren’t.” 

Granet looked at his cigarette for a moment 
thoughtfully. Then he threw it into the fire. 

64 Perhaps you are wise,” he said coolly. 64 All the 
same, when the time comes there is an explanation.” 

44 It is the present which has become such a prob- 
lem,” she went on. 44 1 was driven to leave home and 
I don’t think I can go back again. Father is simply 
furious with me, and every one about the place seems 
to have an idea that I am somehow to blame for what 
happened the other night.” 

44 That seems to me a little unjust,” he protested. 

44 It isn’t unjust at all,” she replied brusquely. 
44 I’ve told them all lies and I’ve got to pay for them. 
I came to you — well, there really wasn’t anything 
else left for me to do, was there? I hope you don’t 


236 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

think that I am horribly forward. I am quite will- 
ing to admit that I like you, that I liked you from 
the first moment we met at Lady Anselman’s lunch- 
eon. At the same time, if that awful night hadn’t 
changed everything, I should have behaved just like 
any other stupidly and properly brought-up young 
woman — waited and hoped and made an idiot of 
myself whenever you were around, and in the end, I 
suppose, been disappointed. You see, fate has rather 
changed that. I had to invent our engagement to 
save you — and here I am,” she added, with a little 
nervous laugh, turning her head as the door opened. 

Jarvis entered with the sandwiches and arranged 
them on a small table by her side. Granet poured 
out the wine for her, mixed himself a whiskey-and- 
soda and took a sandwich also from the plate. 

44 Now tell me,” he began, as soon as Jarvis had 
disappeared, 64 what is there at the back of your 
mind about my presence there at Market Burnham 
that night?” 

She laid down her sandwich. For the first time 
her voice trembled. Granet realised that beneath all 
this quietness of demeanour a volcano was threaten- 
ing. 

44 1 have told you that I do not want to think of 
that night,” she said firmly. 44 1 simply do not un- 
derstand.” 

44 You have something in your mind?” he per- 
sisted. 44 You don’t believe, really, that that man 
Collins, who was found shot — ” 

She glanced at the door. 

44 1 couldn’t sleep that night,” she interrupted. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 237 


44 I heard your car arrive, I saw you both together, 
you and the man who was shot. I saw — more than 
that. I hadn’t meant to tell you this but perhaps it 
is best. I ask you for no explanation. You see, I 
am something of an individualist. I just want one 
thing, and about the rest I simply don’t care. To me, 
to myself, to my own future, to my own happiness the 
rest is very slight, and I never pretend to be any- 
thing else but a very selfish person. Only you know 
now that I have lied, badly.” 

44 1 understand,” he said. 44 Finish your sand- 
wiches and I will take you to your aunt’s. To- 
morrow I will write to your father.” 

She drew a little sigh. 

44 1 will do whatever you say,” she agreed, 44 only 
— please look at me.” 

He stooped down a little. She seized his wrists, 
her voice was suddenly hoarse. 

44 You weren’t pretending altogether?” she 
pleaded. 44 Don’t make me feel a perfect beast. You 
did care a little? You weren’t just talking non- 
sense? ” 

She would have drawn him further down but he 
kept away. 

44 Listen,” he said, 44 when I tell you that I am 
going to write to your father to-morrow, you know 
what that means. For the rest, I must think. Per- 
haps this is the only way out. Of course, I like you 
but the truth is best, isn’t it? I hadn’t any idea of 
this. As a matter of fact, I am rather in love with 
some one else.” 

She caught at her breath for a moment, half 


238 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

closed her eyes as though to shut out something dis- 
agreeable. 

44 I don’t care,” she muttered. 44 You see how low 
I have fallen — I’ll bear even that. Come,” she 
added, springing up, 44 my aunt goes to bed before 
eleven. You can drive me down there, if you like. 
Are you going to kiss me? ” 

He bent over her a little gravely and his lips 
touched her forehead. She caught his face suddenly 
between her hands and kissed him on the lips. Then 
she turned towards the door. 

64 Of course, I am horribly ashamed,” she ex- 
claimed, 44 but then — well, I’m myself. Come along, 
please.” 

He followed her down into the taxi and they drove 
off towards Kensington. 

64 How long have you known the other girl? ” she 
asked abruptly. 

44 Very little longer than I have known you,” he 
answered. 

She took off her glove. He felt her hand steal into 
his. 

44 You’ll try and like me a little, please?” she 
begged. 44 There hasn’t been any one who cared for 
so many years — not all my life. When I came out 
— ever since I came out — I have behaved j ust like 
other properly, well-brought-up girls. I’ve just sat 
and waited. I’ve rather avoided men than otherwise. 
I’ve sat and waited. Girls haven’t liked me much. 
They say I’m odd. I’m twenty-eight now, you know. 
I haven’t enjoyed the last six years. Father’s 
wrapped up in his work. He thinks he has done his 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 239 

duty if he sends me to London sometimes to stay with 
my aunt. She is very much like him, only she is 
wrapped up in missions instead of science. Neither 
of them seems to have time to be human.” 

“ It must have been rotten for you,” Granet said 
kindly. 

Her hand clutched his, she came a little nearer. 

66 Year after year of it,” she murmured. 66 If I 
had been good-looking, I should have run away and 
gone on the stage. If I had been clever, I should have 
left home and done something. But I am like mil- 
lions of others — I am neither. I had to sit and 
wait. When I met you, I suddenly began to realise 
what it would be like to care for some one. I knew 
it wasn’t any use. And then this miracle happened. 
I couldn’t help it,” she went on doggedly. 66 1 never 
thought of it at first. It came to me like a great 
flash that the only way to save you — ” 

u To save me from what? ” he asked. 

66 From being shot as a spy,” she answered 
quickly. <fi There ! I’m not a fool, you know. You 
may think I’m a fool about you but I am not about 
things in general. Good-bye! This is my aunt’s. 
Don’t come in. Ring me up to-morrow morning. I’ll 
meet you anywhere. Good-bye, please! I want to 
run away.” 

He watched her go, a little dazed. A trim parlour- 
maid came out and, after a few words of explanation, 
superintended the disposal of her luggage in the hall. 
Then the taxicab man returned. 

66 Back to Sackville Street,” Granet muttered. 


CHAPTER XXX 


Granet, on his return to Sackville Street, paid the 
taxicab driver, ascended the stairs and let himself 
into his rooms with very much the air of a man who 
has passed through a dream. A single glance 
around, however, brought him vivid realisations of his 
unwelcome visitor. The little plate of sandwiches, 
half finished, the partly emptied bottle of wine, were 
still there. One of her gloves lay in the comer of 
the easy-chair. He picked it up, drew it for a mo- 
ment through his fingers, then crushed it into a ball 
and flung it into the fire. Jarvis, who had heard him 
enter, came from one of the back rooms. 

“ Clear these things away, Jarvis,” his master or- 
dered. “ Leave the whiskey and soda and tobacco 
on the table. I may be late.” 

Jarvis silently obeyed. As soon as he was alone, 
Granet threw himself into the easy-chair. He was 
filled with a bitter sense of being entrapped. He had 
been a little rash at Market Burnham, perhaps, but 
if any other man except Thomson had been sent 
there, his explanations would have been accepted 
without a word, and all this miserable complication 
would have been avoided. He thought over Isabel’s 
coming, all that she had said. She had left him no 
loophole. She had the air of a young woman who 
knew her own mind excellently well. A single word 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 241 

from her to Thomson and the whole superstructure 
of his ingeniously built-up life might tumble to 
pieces. He sat with folded arms in a grim attitude 
of unrest, thinking bitter thoughts. They rolled into 
his brain like black shadows. He had been honest 
in the first instance. With ancestors from both coun- 
tries, he had deliberately chosen the country to which 
he felt the greatest attachment. He remembered his 
long travels in Germany, he remembered on his return 
his growing disapproval of English slackness, her 
physical and moral decadence. Her faults had in- 
spired him not with the sorrow of one of her real 
sons, but with the contempt of one only half bound 
to her by natural ties. The ground had been laid 
ready for the poison. He had started honestly 
enough. His philosophy had satisfied himself. He 
had felt no moral degradation in wearing the uni- 
form of one country for the benefit of another. All 
this self-disgust he dated from the coming of Ger- 
aldine Conyers. Now he was weary of it all, face to 
face, too, with a disagreeable and insistent problem. 

He started suddenly in his chair. An interruption 
ordinary enough, but never without a certain start- 
ling effect, had broken in upon his thoughts. The 
telephone on his table was ringing insistently. He 
rose to his feet and glanced at the clock as he crossed 
the room. It was five minutes past twelve. As he 
took up the receiver a familiar voice greeted him. 

“ Is that Ronnie? Yes, this is Lady Anselman. 
Your uncle told me to ring you up to see if you were 
in. He wants you to come round.” 

“What, to-night?” 


242 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 Do come, Ronnie,” his aunt continued. 44 1 
don’t suppose it’s anything important but your uncle 
seems to want it. No, I sha’n’t see you. I’m just 
going to bed. I have been playing bridge. I’m sure 
the duchess cheats — I have never won at her house 
in my life. I’ll tell your uncle you’ll come, then, 
Ronnie. . . . Good night ! ” 

Granet laid down the receiver. Somehow or other, 
the idea of action, even at that hour of the night, 
was a relief to him. He called to Jarvis and gave 
him a few orders. Afterwards he turned out and 
walked through the streets — curiously lit and busy, 
it seemed to him — to the corner of Park Lane, and 
up to the great mansion fronting the Park, which 
had belonged to the Anselmans for two generations. 
There were few lights in the windows. He was ad- 
mitted at once and passed on to his uncle’s own serv- 
ant. 

44 Sir Alfred is in the study, sir,” the latter an- 
nounced, 44 if you will kindly come this way.” 

Granet crossed the circular hall hung with wonder- 
ful tapestry, and passed through the sumptuously- 
furnished library into the smaller, business man’s 
study, in which Sir Alfred spent much of his time. 
There were telephones upon his desk, a tape machine, 
and a private instrument connected with the tele- 
graph department. There was a desk for his sec- 
retary, now vacant, and beyond, in the shadows of 
the apartment, winged bookcases which held a collec- 
tion of editions de luxe, first editions, and a great 
collection of German and Russian literature, ad- 
mittedly unique. Sir Alfred was sitting at his desk, 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 243 


writing a letter. He greeted his nephew with his 
usual cheerful nod. 

“ Wait before you go, Harrison,” he said to his 
valet. “Will you take anything, Ronald? There 
are cigars and cigarettes here but nothing to drink. 
Harrison, you can put the whiskey and soda on the 
side, anyhow, then you can wait for me in my room. 
I shall not require any other service to-night. Some 
one must stay to let Captain Granet out. You un- 
derstand ? ” 

66 Perfectly, sir,” the man replied. 

“ If you don’t mind, Ronnie, I will finish this letter 
while he brings the whiskey and soda,” Sir Alfred 
said. 

Captain Granet strolled around the room. There 
was no sound for a moment but the scratching of Sir 
Alfred’s quill pen across the paper. Presently Har- 
rison returned with the whiskey and soda. Sir Al- 
fred handed him a note. 

“ To be sent to-night, Harrison,” he directed ; 
66 no answer.” 

The man withdrew, closing the door behind him. 
Sir Alfred listened to his footsteps across the hall. 
Then he rose from his place and turned on the whole 
of the illumination of the room. The shadows of 
the dark spaces were suddenly illuminated, every 
corner of the stately apartment was distinctly visible. 
Sir Alfred, with his hands in his pockets, walked 
slowly around. When he came back he turned out all 
the lights except the heavily shaded one over his 
desk, and motioned his nephew to draw his easy-chair 
up to the side. 


244 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 Well, Ronnie,” he said, 44 I suppose you are won- 
dering why I have sent for you at this hour of the 
night ? ” 

44 I am,” Granet admitted frankly. 44 Is there any 
news ? — anything behind the news, perhaps I 
should say ? ” 

44 What there is, is of no account,” Sir Alfred re- 
plied. 64 We are going to talk pure human nature, 
you and I, for the next hour. The fate of empires 
is a matter for the historians. It is your fate and 
mine which just now counts for most.” 

44 There is some trouble ? ” Granet asked quickly, 
— 44 some suspicion? ” 

44 None whatever,” Sir Alfred repeated firmly. 
44 My position was never more secure than it is at this 
second. I am the trusted confidant of the Cabinet. 
I have done, not only apparently but actually, very 
important work for them. Financially, too, my in- 
fluence as well as my resources have been of vast as- 
sistance to this country.” 

Granet nodded and waited. He knew enough of 
his uncle to be aware that he would develop his 
statement in his own way. 

44 When all has gone well,” Sir Alfred continued, 
44 when all seems absolutely peaceful and safe, it is 
sometimes the time to pause and consider. We are 
at that spot at the present moment. You have been 
lucky, in your way, Ronnie. Three times, whilst 
fighting for England, you have managed to pene- 
trate the German lines and receive from them com- 
munications of the greatest importance. Since your 
return home you have been of use in various ways. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 245 

This last business in Norfolk will not be forgotten. 
Then take mj case. What Germany knows of our 
financial position, our strength and our weakness, is 
due to me. That Germany is at the present time 
holding forty millions of money belonging to the city 
of London, is also owing to me. In a dozen other 
ways my influence has been felt. As I told you be- 
fore, we have both, in our way, been successful, but 
we have reached the absolute limit of our effective- 
ness.” 

66 What does that mean ? ” Granet asked. 

“ It means this,” Sir Alfred explained. “ When 
this war was started, I, with every fact and circum- 
stance before me, with more information, perhaps, 
than any other man breathing, predicted peace 
within three months. I was wrong. Germany to-day 
is great and unconquered, but Germany has lost her 
opportunity. This may be a war of attrition, or 
even now the unexpected may come, but to all effects 
and purposes Germany is beaten.” 

66 Do you mean this ? 99 Granet exclaimed incredu- 
lously. 

“ Absolutely,” his uncle assured him. “ Remember 
that I know more than you do. There is a new and 
imminent danger facing the dual alliance. What 
it is you will learn soon enough. The war may drag 
on for many months but the chances of the great 
German triumph we have dreamed of, have passed. 
They know it as well as we do. I have seen the wri- 
ting on the wall for months. To-day I have con- 
cluded all my arrangements. I have broken off all 
negotiations with Berlin. They recognise the au- 


246 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

thority and they absolve me. They know that it will 
be well to have a friend here when the time comes for 
drawing up the pact.” 

Granet gripped the sides of his chair with his 
hand. It seemed to him impossible that with these 
few commonplace words the fate of all Europe was 
being pronounced. 

44 Do you mean that Germany will be crushed? ” 
he demanded. 

Sir Alfred shook his head. 

44 1 still believe that impossible,” he said, 44 but the 
peace of exhaustion will come, and come surely, be- 
fore many months have passed. It is time for us to 
think of ourselves. So far as I am concerned, well, 
there is that one censored letter — nothing in itself, 
yet damning if the code should be discovered. As for 
you, well, you are safe from anything transpiring in 
France, and although you seem to have been rather 
unlucky there, you appear to be safe as regards 
Norfolk. You must make up your mind now to 
follow my lead. Take a home command, do the rest 
of your soldiering quietly, and shout with the others 
when the day of peace comes. These last few months 
must be our great secret. At heart we may have 
longed to call ourselves the sons of a mightier na- 
tion, but fate is against us. We must continue Eng- 
lishmen.” 

44 Y ou’ve taken my breath away,” Granet deolared. 
44 Let me realise this for a moment.” 

He sat quite still. A rush of thoughts had 
crowded into his brain. First and foremost was the 
thought of Geraldine. If he could cover up his 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 247 

traces ! If it were true that he was set free now 
from his pledges ! Then he remembered his visitor 
of the evening and his heart sank. 

“ Look here,” he confessed, 44 in a way this is a 
huge relief. I, like you, thought it was to last for 
three months and I thought I could stick it. While 
the excitement of the thing was about it was easy 
enough, but listen, uncle. That Norfolk affair — I 
am not really out of that.” 

“ What do you mean? ” Sir Alfred demanded anx- 
iously. 44 This fellow Thomson? ” 

44 Thomson, of course,” Granet assented, 44 but the 
real trouble has come to me in a different way. I 
told you that the girl got me out of it. She couldn’t 
stand the second cross-examination. She was driven 
into a corner, and finally, to clear herself, said that 
we were engaged to be married. She has come up tc 
London, came to me to-night. She expects me to 
marry her.” 

44 How much does she know? ” Sir Alfred asked. 

44 Everything,” Granet groaned. 44 It was she 
who had told me of the waterway across the marshes. 
She saw me there with Collins, just before the flare 
was lit. She knew that I lied to them when they 
found me.” 

Sir Alfred sighed. 

44 It’s a big price, Ronnie,” he said, 44 but you’ll 
have to pay it. The sooner you marry the girl and 
close her mouth, the better.” 

44 If it hadn’t been for that damned fellow Thom- 
son,” Granet muttered, 46 there would never have 
been a suspicion.” 


248 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


“ If it hadn’t been for the same very enterp rising 
gentleman,” Sir Alfred observed, “ my correspond- 
ence would never have been tampered with.” 

Granet leaned a little forward. 

“ Thomson is our one remaining danger,” he said. 
66 1 have had the feeling since first he half recognised 
me. We met, you know, in Belgium. It was just 
when I was coming out of the German lines. Some- 
how or other he must have been on my track ever 
since. I took no notice of it. I thought it was 
simply because — because he was engaged to Geral- 
dine Conyers.” 

“ You are rivals in love, too, eh? ” Sir Alfred re- 
marked. 

“ Geraldine Conyers is the girl I want to marry,” 
Granet admitted. 

66 Thomson,” Sir Alfred murmured to himself, — 
“ Surgeon-Major Hugh Thomson. He seems to be 
the only man, Ronnie, from whom we have the least 
danger to fear. Personally, I think I am secure. I 
do not believe that that single letter will be ever de- 
ciphered, and if it is, three-parts of the Cabinet are 
my friends. I could ruin the Stock Exchange to- 
morrow, bring London’s credit, for a time, at any 
rate, below the credit of Belgrade.” 

“ All the same, it seems to me,” Granet declared 
grimly, “ that we should both be more comfortable 
if there were no Surgeon-Major Thomson.” 

“ The very last dispatches I had to deal with,” 
Sir Alfred continued, “ made allusion to him. They 
don’t love some of his work in Berlin, I can tell you. 
What sort of a man is he, Ronnie? Can he be 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 249 

bought? A hundred thousand pounds would be a 
fortune to a man like that.” 

“ There is only one way of dealing with him,” 
Granet said fiercely. <c I have tried it once. I ex- 
pect I’ll have to try again.” 

Sir Alfred leaned across the table. 

“ Don’t be rash, Ronnie,” he advised. “ And yet, 
remember this. The man is a real danger, both to 
you and to me. He is the only man who has had 
anything to do with the Intelligence Department 
here, who is worth a snap of the fingers. Now go 
home, Ronnie. You came here — well, never mind 
what you were when you came here. You are going 
back an Englishman. If they won’t send you to the 
Front again, bother them for some work here, and 
stick to it. You will get no reports nor any visitors. 
I have strangled the whole system. You and I are 
cut loose from it. We are free-lances. Mind, I still 
believe that in the end German progress and German 
culture will dominate the world, but it may not be 
in our day. It just happens that we have struck a 
little too soon. Let us make the best of things, Ron- 
nie. You have many years of life. I have some of 
unabated power. Let us be thankful that we were 
wise enough to stop in time.” 

Granet rose to his feet. His uncle watched him 
curiously. 

“ You’re young, of course, Ronnie,” he continued 
indulgently. 66 You haven’t yet fitted your burden on 
to your shoulders properly. England or Germany, 
you have some of both in you. After all, it isn’t a 
vital matter under which banner you travel. It isn’t 


250 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


quite like that with me. I have lived here all my life 
and I wouldn’t care to live anywhere else, but that’s 
because I carry my own country with me. It’s Eng- 
lish air I breathe but it’s a German heart I still 
carry with me. Good night, Ronnie! Remember 
about Thomson.” 

The two men wrung hands and Granet made his 
way towards the door. 

“ About Thomson,” he repeated to himself, as the 
servant conducted him towards the door. 


CHAPTER XXXI 


Ambrose announced a visitor, early on the follow- 
ing morning, with some show of interest. 

44 Captain Granet to see you, sir. We’ve a good 
many notes about him. Would you like the book? ” 

Thomson shook his head. 

46 Thank you,” he answered drily, 44 1 have it in 
my desk but I think I can remember. Is he outside 
now ? ” 

44 Yes, sir”! He said he wouldn’t keep you for 
more than a few minutes, if you could spare him a 
short interview.” 

44 Any luck last night ? ” 

Ambrose sighed. 

44 1 was up till three o’clock again. Once I 
thought I was on the track of it. I have come to 
the conclusion now that it’s one of those codes that 
depend upon shifting quantities. I shall start again 
to-night on a different idea. Shall I show Captain 
Granet in, sir? ” 

Thomson assented, and a few minutes later Granet 
entered the room. He made no attempt to shake 
hands or to take a seat. Thomson looked at him 
coldly. 

44 Well,” he asked, abruptly, 44 what can I do for 
you ? ” 


252 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

“ I don’t suppose you can do anything,” Granet 
replied, “ but I am going to spend to-day and to- 
morrow, too, if necessary, in this place, bothering 
every one I ever heard of. You have some influence, 
I know. Get me a job out of this country.” 

Thomson raised his eyebrows slightly. 

“ You want to go abroad again? ” 

“ Anywhere — anyhow ! If they won’t have me 
back in France, although heaven knows why not, can 
I be sent to the Dardanelles, or even East Africa? 
I’ll take out Territorials, if you like. I’ll do any- 
thing sooner than be ordered to one of these infernal 
country towns to train young tradespeople. If I 
don’t worry, I know I shall get a home appointment 
directly, and I don’t want it.” 

Thomson studied his visitor, for a moment, care- 
fully. 

<fi So you want to be fighting again, eh? ” he re- 
marked. 

“ I do,” Granet answered firmly. 

Major Thomson drew a little locked book towards 
him, unfastened it with a key from his chain and held 
his hand over the page. It was noticeable that his 
right hand slipped open a few inches the right-hand 
drawer of his desk. 

“ You have come to me, Captain Granet,” he said, 
fiS to ask my aid in getting you a job. Well, if I 
could give you one where I was perfectly certain that 
you would be shot in your first skirmish, I would give 
it to you, with pleasure. Under present conditions, 
however, it is my impression that the further you 
are from any British fighting force, the better it 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 253 

will be for the safety and welfare of that force.” 

Granet’s face was suddenly rigid. He had turned 
a little paler and his eyes flashed. 

44 What do you mean? ” he demanded. 

Thomson had removed his hand and was glancing 
at the open page. 

46 There are a few notes here about you,” he said. 
44 1 will not read them all but I will give you some 
extracts. There is your full name and parentage, 
tracing out the amount of foreign blood which I find 
is in your veins. There is a verbatim account of a 
report made to me by your Brigadier-General, in 
which it seems that in the fighting under his command 
you were three times apparently taken prisoner, 
three times you apparently escaped ; the information 
which you brought back led to at least two disasters ; 
the information which exactly at the time you were 
absent seemed to come miraculously into the hands 
of the enemy, resulted in even greater trouble for 
us.” 

44 Do you insinuate, then, that I am a traitor?” 
Granet asked fiercely. 

44 1 insinuate nothing,” Thomson replied quietly. 
44 So far as you and I are concerned, we may as well, 
I presume, understand one another. You are, with- 
out doubt, aware that my post as inspector of hospi- 
tals is a blind. I am, as a matter of fact, chief of 
the Intelligence Department, with a rank which at 
present I do not choose to use. I have been myself 
to your Brigadier-General and brought home this 
report, and if it is any satisfaction to you to know 
it, I brought also an urgent request that you should 


254 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

not be allowed to rejoin any part of the force under 
bis control.” 

44 It was simply rotten luck,” Granet muttered. 

44 1 come here to a few more notes,” Thomson pro- 
ceeded. 44 1 meet you some weeks ago at a luncheon 
party at the Ritz. A Belgian waiter, who I learned, 
by later inquiries, was present as a prisoner in the 
village where you were being entertained as a guest 
at the German headquarters, recognised you and was 
on the point of making a disclosure. The excite- 
ment, however, was too much for him and he fainted. 
He was at once removed, under your auspices, and 
died a few days later, at one of your uncle’s country 
houses, before he could make any statement.” 

44 This is ridiculous ! ” Granet exclaimed. 44 1 
never saw the fellow before in my life.” 

44 Ridiculous, doubtless, but a coincidence,” Major 
Thomson replied, turning over the next page of his 
book. 44 A little later I find you taking an immense 
interest in our new destroyers, trying, in fact, to in- 
duce young Conyers to explain our wire netting sys- 
tem, following him down to Portsmouth and doing 
your best to discover also the meaning of a new de- 
vice attached to his destroyer.” 

44 That is simply absurd,” Granet protested. 44 1 
was interested in the subject, as any military officer 
would be in an important naval development. My 
journey to Portsmouth was simply an act of cour- 
tesy to Miss Conyers and her cousin.” 

44 1 find you next,” Thomson went on immovably, 
44 visiting the one French statesman whom we in Eng- 
land had cause to fear, in his hotel in London. I find 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 255 

that very soon afterwards that statesman is in pos- 
session of an autograph letter from the Kaiser, of- 
fering peace to the French people on extraordinary 
terms. Who was the intermediary who brought that 
document, Captain Granet? ” 

Granet’s face never twitched. He held himself 
with cold composure. 

“ These,” he declared, “ are fairy tales. Pailleton 
was a friend of mine. During my visit we did not 
speak of politics.” 

“More coincidences,” Major Thomson remarked. 
“We pass on, then, to that night at Market Burn- 
ham Hall, when a Zeppelin was guided to the spot 
where Sir Meyville Worth was experimenting on be- 
half of the British Government, and dropped destruc- 
tive bombs. A man was shot dead by the side of the 
flare. That man was one of your companions at the 
Dormy House Club.” 

“ I neither spoke to him nor saw him there, except 
as a casual visitor,” Granet insisted. 

“ That I venture to doubt,” Major Thomson re- 
plied. “ At any rate, there is enough circumstantial 
evidence against you in this book to warrant my ta- 
king the keenest interest in your future. As a mat- 
ter of fact, you would have been at the Tower, or 
underneath it, at this very moment, but for the young 
lady who probably perjured herself to save you. 
Now that you know my opinion of you, Captain 
Granet, you will understand that I should hesitate 
before recommending you to any post whatever in the 
service of this country.” 

Granet made a stealthy movement forward. He 


256 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

had been edging a little closer to the desk and he was 
barely two yards away. He suddenly paused. 
Thomson had closed the drawer now and he was 
holding a small revolver very steadily in his right 
hand. 

“ Granet,” he said, “ that sort of thing won’t do. 
You know now what I think of you. Besides these 
little incidents which I have related, you are sus- 
pected of having, in the disguise of an American 
clergyman, delivered a message from the German 
Government to an English Cabinet Minister, and, to 
come to more personal matters, I myself suspect you 
of having made two attempts on my life. It is my 
firm belief that you are nothing more nor less than 
a common and dangerous German spy. Keep back ! ” 

The veins were standing out like wHpcord on 
Granet’s flushed forehead. He swayed or his feet. 
Twice he had seemed as though he would spring at his 
opponent. 

“ Now listen to me,” Thomson contini^d. “ On 
Monday I am going from Southampton to Bou- 
logne for forty-eight hours, to attend a court 
martial there. There is only one decent thing you 
can do. You know what that is. I’ll have you ex- 
changed, if you are willing, into a line regiment with 
your present rank. Your colonel will have a hint. 
It will be your duty to meet the first German bullet 
you can find. If you are content with that, I’ll ar- 
range it for you. If not — ” 

Major Thomson paused. There was a queer, 
twisted smile at the corners of his lips. 

“ If not,” he concluded, “ there is one more little 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 257 


note to add in this book and the account will be full. 
You know now the terms, Captain Granet, on which 
you can go to the Front. I will give you ten days 
to consider.” 

44 If I accept an offer like this,” Granet protested, 
44 1 shall be pleading guilty to all the rubbish you 
have talked.” 

44 If it weren’t for the fact,” Major Thomson told 
him sternly, 44 that you have worn his Majesty’s uni- 
form, that you are a soldier, and that the horror of 
it would bring pain to every man who has shared 
with you that privilege, I have quite enough evidence 
here to bring your career to a disgraceful end. I 
give you your chance, not for your own sake but for 
the honour of the Army. What do you say ? ” 

Granet picked up his hat. 

44 I’ll think it over,” he muttered. 

He walked out of the room without any attempt 
at farewell, pushed his way along the corridors, 
down the steps and out into Whitehall. His face was 
distorted by a new expression. A sudden hatred of 
Thomson had blazed up in him. He was at bay, 
driven there by a relentless enemy, the man who had 
tracked him down, as he honestly believed, to some 
extent through jealousy. The thoughts framed 
themselves quickly in his mind. With unseeing eyes 
he walked across Trafalgar Square and made his 
way to his club in Pall Mall. Here he wrote a few 
lines to Isabel Worth, regretting that he was called 
out of town on military business for forty-eight 
hours. Afterwards he took a taxi and called at his 
rooms, walked restlessly up and down while Jarvis 


258 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


threw a few clothes into a bag, changed his own ap- 
parel for a rough tweed suit, and drove to Padding- 
ton. A few minutes later he took his place in the 
Cornish Express. 


CHAPTER XXXII 


Granet emerged from the Tregarten Hotel at St. 
Mary’s on the following morning, about half-past 
eight, and strolled down the narrow strip of lawn 
which bordered the village street. A couple of boat- 
men advanced at once to meet him. Granet greeted 
them cheerily. 

44 Yes, I want a boat,” he admitted. 44 I’d like to 
do a bit of sailing. A friend of mine was here and 
had a chap named Rowsell — Job Rowsell. Either 
of you answer to that name, by chance? 99 

The elder of the two shook his head. 

44 My name’s Matthew Nichols,” he announced, 
44 and this is my brother-in-law, Joe Lethbridge. 
We’ve both of us got stout sailing craft and all the 
recommendations a man need have. As for J ob Row- 
sell, well, he ain’t here — not just at this moment, 
so to speak.” 

Granet considered the matter briefly. 

44 Well,” he decided, 44 it seems to me I must talk 
to this chap Rowsell before I do anything. I’m 
under a sort of promise.” 

The two boatmen looked at one another. The one 
who had addressed him first turned a little away. 

24 Just as you like, sir,” he announced. 44 No doubt 
Rowsell will be up this way towards afternoon.” 


260 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


44 Afternoon? But I want to go out at once,” 
Granet protested. 

Matthew Nichols removed his pipe from his mouth 
and spat upon the ground thoughtfully. 

44 1 doubt whether you’ll get Job Rowsell to shift 
before mid-day. I’m none so sure he’ll go out at all 
with this nor ’wester blowing.” 

44 What’s the matter with him? ” Granet asked. 
44 Is he lazy? ” 

The man who as yet had scarcely spoken, swung 
round on his heel. 

44 He’s no lazy, sir,” he said. 44 That’s not the 
right word. But he’s come into money some way or 
other, Job Rowsell has. There’s none of us knows 
how, and it ain’t our business, but he spends most 
of his time in the public-house and he seems to have 
taken a fancy for night sailing alone, which to my 
mind, and there are others of us as say the same, 
ain’t none too healthy an occupation. And that’s 
all there is to be said of Job Rowsell, as I knows 
of* 5 * 

44 It’s a good deal, too,” Granet remarked thought- 
fully. 44 Where does he live? ” 

44 Fourth house on the left in yonder street,” Mat- 
thew Nichols replied, pointing with his pipe. 
44 Maybe he’ll come if you send for him, maybe he 
won’t.” 

44 1 must try to keep my word to my friend,” Gra- 
net decided. 44 If I don’t find him, I’ll come back and 
look for you fellows again.” 

He turned back to the little writing-room, scrib- 
bled a note and sent it down by the boots. In about 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 261 

half an hour he was called once more out into the 
garden. A huge, loose-jointed man was standing 
there, unshaven, untidily dressed, and with the look 
in his eyes of a man who has been drinking heavily. 

“ Are you Job Rowsell? ” Granet inquired. 

“ That’s my name,” the man admitted. “ Is there 
anything wrong with it ? ” 

“ Not that I know of,” Granet replied. “ I want 
you to take me out sailing. Is your boat ready ? ” 

The man glanced up at the sky. 

" I don’t know as I want to go,” he grumbled. 
“ There’s dirty weather about.” 

“ I think you’d better,” Granet urged. 66 I’m not 
a bad payer and I can help with the boat. Let’s 
go and look at her, any way.” 

They walked together down to the harbour. Gra- 
net said very little, his companion nothing at all. 
They stood on the jetty and gazed across to where 
the sailing boats were anchored. 

“ That’s the 6 Saucy Jane,’ ” Job Rowsell indi- 
cated, stretching out a forefinger. 

Granet scrambled down into a small dinghy which 
was tied to the side of the stone wall. 

“ We’d better be getting on board,” he suggested. 

Rowsell stared at him for a moment but acqui- 
esced. They pulled across and boarded the “ Saucy 
Jane.” A boy whom they found on deck took the 
boat back. Rowsell set his sails slowly but with pre- 
cision. The moment he stepped on board he seemed 
to become an altered man. 

“ Where might you be wanting to go? ” he asked. 
44 You’ll need them oilskins, sure.” 


262 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 I want to run out to the Bishop Lighthouse,” 
Granet announced. 

Bowsell shook his head. 

44 It’s no sort of a day to face the Atlantic, sir,” 
he declared. 44 We’ll try a spin round St. Mary and 
White Island, if you like.” 

Granet fastened his oilskins and stooped for a mo- 
ment to alter one of the sails. 

44 Look here,” he said, taking his seat at the 
tiller, 44 this is my show, Job Rowsell. There’s a five 
pound note for you at the end of the day, if you go 
where I tell you and nowhere else.” 

The man eyed him sullenly. A few minutes later 
they were rushing out of the harbour. 

44 It’s a poor job, sailing a pleasure boat,” he mut- 
tered. 44 Not many of us as wouldn’t sell his soul for 
five pounds.” 

They reached St. Agnes before they came round 
on the first tack. Then, with the spray beating in 
their faces, they swung around and made for the 
opening between the two islands. For a time the 
business of sailing kept them both occupied. In two 
hours’ time they were standing out towards Bishop 
Lighthouse. Job Rowsell took a long breath and 
filled a pipe with tobacco. He was looking more 
himself now. 

44 I’ll bring her round the point there,” he said, 
44 and we’ll come up the Channel and home by Bry- 
her.” 

44 You’ll do nothing of the sort,” Granet ordered. 
44 Keep her head out for the open sea till I tell you 
to swing round.” 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 263 

Rowsell looked at his passenger with troubled 
face. 

“ Are you another of ’em? ” he asked abruptly. 

“ Don’t you mind who I am,” Granet answered. 
6i I’m on a job I’m going to see through. If a fiver 
isn’t enough for you, make it a tenner, but keep her 
going where I put her.” 

Rowsell obeyed but his face grew darker. He 
leaned towards his passenger. 

46 What’s your game?” he demanded hoarsely. 
“ There’s some of them on the island ’d have me by 
the throat if they only knew the things I could tell 
’em. What’s your game here, eh? Are you on the 
cross ? ” 

44 1 am not,” Granet replied, 44 or I shouldn’t have 
needed to bring you to sea. I know all about you, 
Job Rowsell. You’re doing very well and you may 
do a bit better by and by. Now sit tight and keep 
a still tongue in your head.” 

They were in a queer part of the broken, rocky 
island group. There was a great indenture in the 
rocks up which the sea came hissing; to the left, 
round the corner, the lighthouse. Granet drew what 
looked to be a large pocket-handkerchief from the 
inner pocket of his coat, pulled down their pennant 
with nimble fingers, tied on another and hauled it up. 
Job Rowsell stared at him. 

44 What’s that?” 

44 It’s the German flag, you fool,” Granet answered. 

44 I’ll have none of that on my boat,” the man de- 
clared surlily. 44 An odd fiver for a kindness — ” 

44 Shut up ! ” Granet snapped, drawing his revolver 


264 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

from his pocket. “ You run the boat and mind your 
own business, Rowsell. I’m not out here to be fooled 
with. . . . My God ! ” 

Almost at their side the periscope of a submarine 
had suddenly appeared. Slowly it rose to the sur- 
face. An officer in German naval uniform struggled 
up and called out. Granet spoke to him rapidly in 
German. Job Rowsell stared at them both, then he 
drew a flask from his pocket and took a long pull. 
The submarine grew nearer and Granet tossed a 
small roll of paper across the chasm of waters. All 
that passed between the two men was to Job Rowsell 
unintelligible. The last few words, however, the 
German repeated in English. 

“ The 6 Princess Hilda ’ from Southampton, to- 
morrow at midnight,” he repeated thoughtfully. 
66 Well, it’s a big business.” 

“ It’s worth it,” Granet assured him. 66 They may 
call it a hospital ship but it isn’t. I am convinced 
that the one man who is more dangerous to us than 
any other Englishman, will be on board.” 

“ It shall then be done,” the other promised. 
“ So!” 

He looked upward to the flag and saluted Granet. 
A great sea bore them a little apart. Granet pulled 
down the German flag, tied up a stone inside it and 
threw it into the next wave. 

“ You can take me back now,” he told the boatman. 

They were four hours making the harbour. Three 
times they failed to get round the last point, met at 
each time by clouds of hissing spray. When at last 
they sailed in, there was a little crowd to watch them. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 265 

Nichols and Lethbridge stood on one side with 
gloomy faces. 

“ It’s a queer day for pleasure sailing,” Nicholas 
remarked to Job Rowsell, as he came up the wet 
steps of the pier. 

44 It’s all I want of it for a bit, any way,” Rowsell 
muttered, pushing his way along the quay. 44 If 
there’s any of you for a drink, I’m your man. 
What-ho, Nichols? — Lethbridge? ” 

Lethbridge muttered something and turned away. 
Nichols, too, declined. 

44 1 am not sure, Job Rowsell,” the latter declared, 
44 that I like your money nor the way you earn it.” 

Job Rowsell stopped for a minute. There was an 
ugly look in his sullen face. 

44 If you weren’t my own brother-in-law, Mat- 
thews Nichols,” he said, 44 I’d shove those words down 
your throat.” 

44 And if you weren’t my sister’s husband,” Nich- 
ols retorted, turning away, 44 I’d take a little trip 
over to Penzance and say a few words at the Police 
Station there.” 

Granet laughed good-humouredly. 

44 You fellows don’t need to get bad-tempered with 
one another,” he observed. 44 Look here, I shall have 
three days here. I’ll take one of you each day — 
make a fair thing of it, eh? You to-morrow, Nichols, 
and you the next day, Lethbridge. I’m not particular 
about the weather, as Job Rowsell can tell you, and 
I’ve sailed a boat since I was a boy. I’m no land- 
lubber, am I, Rowsell ? ” 

44 No, you can sail the boat all right,” Rowsell ad- 


266 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

mitted, looking back over his shoulder. 44 You’d sail 
it into Hell itself, if one’d let you. Come on, you 
boys, if there’s any one of you as fancies to drink. 
I’m wet to the skin.” 

Nichols’ boat was duly prepared at nine o’clock on 
the following morning. Lethbridge shouted to him 
from the rails. 

46 Gentleman’s changed his mind, I reckon. He 
went off on the eight o’clock boat for Penzance.” 

Nichols commenced stolidly to furl his sails again. 

44 It’s my thinking, Lethbridge,” he said, as he 
clambered into the dinghy, 44 that there’s things go- 
ing on in this island which you and me don’t under- 
stand. I’m for a few plain words with Job Rowsell, 
though he’s my own sister’s husband.” 

44 Plain words is more than you’ll get from Job,” 
Lethbridge replied gloomily. 44 He slept last night 
on the floor at the 4 Blue Crown,’ and he’s there this 
morning, clamouring for brandy and pawing the air. 
He’s got the blue devils, that’s what he’s got.” 

44 There’s money,” Nichols declared solemnly, 
44 some money, that is, that does no one any good.” 


CHAPTER XXXIII 


There was a shrill whistle from the captain’s 
bridge, and the steamer, which had scarcely yet 
gathered way, swung slowly around. Rushing up 
towards it through the mists came a little naval 
launch, in the stern of which a single man was seated. 
In an incredibly short space of time it was along- 
side, the passenger had climbed up the rope ladder, 
the pinnace had sheered off and the steamer was once 
more heading towards the Channel. 

The newly-arrived passenger was making his way 
towards the saloon when a voice which seemed to come 
from behind a pile of rugs heaped around a steamer- 
chair, arrested his progress. 

44 Hugh ! Major Thomson ! ” 

He stopped short. Geraldine shook herself free 
from her rugs and sat up. They looked at one an- 
other in astonishment. 

44 Why, Geraldine,” he exclaimed, 44 where are you 
off to? ” 

44 To Boulogne, of course,” she answered. 44 Don’t 
pretend that you are surprised. Why, you got me 
the appointment yourself.” 

44 Of course,” he agreed, 44 only I had no idea that 
you were going just yet, or that you were on this 
boat.” 


268 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

“ They told me to come out this week,” she said, 
as he drew a chair to her side, “ and so many of the 
nurses and doctors were going by this boat that I 
thought I would come, too. I feel quite a profes- 
sional already. Nearly all the women here are in 
nurse’s uniform and three-quarters of the men on 
board are doctors. Where are you going, Hugh?” 

“ Just to the Base and back again to-morrow,” he 
told her. “ There’s a court martial I want to at- 
tend.” 

“ Still mysterious,” she laughed. “ What have 
you to do with courts martial, Hugh? ” 

“ Too much, just for the moment,” he answered 
lightly. 66 Would you like some coffee or anything? ” 

She shook her head. 

“ No, thank you. I had an excellent supper before 
we started. I looked at some of the cabins but I de- 
cided to spend the night on deck. What about you? 
You seem to have arrived in a hurry.” 

“ I missed the train in London,” he explained. 
“ They kept me at the War Office. Then I had to 
come down in a Government car and we couldn’t quite 
catch up. Any news from Ralph?” 

“ I had a letter three days ago,” she told him. 
“ It was posted at Harwich but he couldn’t say where 
he was, and of course he couldn’t give me any news. 
Father came back from the Admiralty very excited 
yesterday, though. He says that we have sunk four 
or five more submarines, and that Ralph’s new equip- 
ment is an immense success. By-the-bye, is there any 
danger of submarines here ? ” 

“ 1 shouldn’t think so,” Thomson answered. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 269 

“They are very busy round the Scilly Islands but 
we seem to have been able to keep them out of the 
Channel. I thought we should have been convoyed, 
though.” 

“ In any case,” she remarked, 44 we are a hospital 
ship. I expect they’d leave us alone. Major Thom- 
son,” she went on, 44 1 wonder, do you really believe 
all these stories of the horrible doings of the Ger- 
mans — the way they have treated drowning people 
attacked by their submarines, and these hateful 
stories of Belgium? Sometimes it seems to me as 
though there were a fog of hatred which had sprung 
up between the two countries, and we could neither 
of us quite see clearly what the other was doing.” 

44 1 think there is something in that,” Major Thom- 
son agreed. 44 On the other hand, I think it is part 
of the German principle to make war ruthlessly. I 
have seen things in Belgium which I shall never for- 
get. As to the submarine business, if half the things 
are true that we have read, they seem to have be- 
haved like brutes. It’s queer, too,” he went on, 44 for 
as a rule seamen are never cruel.” 

They were silent for a time. For some reason or 
other, they both avoided mention of the one subject 
which was in the minds of both. It was not until 
after the steward had brought him some coffee and 
they were more than half-way across, that Thomson 
a little abruptly asked her a question. 

44 Have you seen anything of Captain Granet 
lately? ” 

44 Nothing,” she replied. 

He turned his head slightly towards her. 


270 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 Would it trouble you very much if he never came 
to see you again ? ” 

She was watching the misty dawn. 

44 I do not know,” she answered, 44 but I think that 
he will come.” 

44 I am not so sure,” he told her. 

44 Do you mean that he is in any fresh trouble? 99 
she asked quickty. 

44 1 don’t think he needs any fresh trouble exactly,” 
Thomson remarked, 44 but suppose we leave him alone 
for a little time? Our meeting was so unexpected, 
and, for me, such a pleasure. Don’t let us spoil it.” 

44 Let us talk of other things,” she agreed readily. 
44 Tell me, for instance, just what does a submarine 
look like when it pops up out of the sea? 99 

44 1 have never seen one close to,” he admitted, 44 ex- 
cept on the surface. Why do you ask?” 

She pointed with her forefinger to a little spot al- 
most between two banks of mist. 

44 Because I fancied just now that I saw something 
sticking up out of the water there, something which 
might have been the periscope of a submarine,” she 
replied. 

He looked in the direction which she indicated but 
shook his head. 

44 1 can see nothing,” he said, 44 but in any case 
I don’t think they would attack a hospital ship. 
This is a dangerous area for them, too. We are 
bound to have a few destroyers close at hand. I 
wonder if Ralph — ” 

He never finished his sentence. The shock which 
they had both read about but never dreamed of ex- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 271 

periencing, flung them without a moment’s warning 
on to their hands and feet. The steamer seemed as 
though it had been lifted out of the water. There 
was a report as though some great cannon had been 
fired off in their very ears. Looking along the deck, 
it suddenly seemed to Thomson that her bows were 
pointing to the sky. The after portion, where they 
were seated, was vibrating and shaking as though 
they had struck a rock, and only a few yards away 
from them, towards the middle of the boat, the end 
of the cabin was riven bare to the heavens. Timbers 
were creaking and splintering in every direction. 
There was a great gap already in the side of the 
steamer, as though some one had taken a cut out of 
it. Then, high above the shrieking of the escaped 
steam and the cracking of woodwork, the siren of the 
boat screamed out its frantic summons for help. 
Geraldine for the moment lost her nerve. She began 
to shriek, and ran towards the nearest boat, into 
which the people were climbing like ants. Thomson 
drew her back. 

44 Don’t hurry,” he begged. 44 Here ! ” 

He threw open the door of a cabin which leaned 
over them, snatched two of the lifebelts from the 
berth and rapidly fastened one on her. There was 
some semblance of order on deck now that the first 
confusion had passed. The men were all rushing to 
quarters. Three of the boats had been blown into 
splinters upon their davits. The fourth, terribly 
overloaded, was being lowered. Thomson, working 
like a madman, was tying some spare belts on to a 
table v/hich had floated out from the cabin. More 


272 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

than once the boat gave a great plunge and they had 
to hold on to the cabin doors. A huge wave broke 
completely over them, drenching them from head to 
foot. The top of the rail now was on a level with the 
sea. Thomson stood up for a moment and looked 
around. Then he turned to Geraldine. 

44 Look here,” he said, 44 there’ll be plenty of craft 
around to pick us up. This thing can’t sink. Keep 
the lifebelt on and get your arms through the belt I 
have tied on to the table, so. That’s right. Now 
come over to the side.” 

44 You’re not going to jump overboard? ” she cried. 

44 We are going to just step overboard,” he ex- 
plained. 44 It’s the only chance. Throw off your fur 
cloak. You see, if we stay a moment later we shall 
be dragged down after the steamer. We must get 
clear while we can.” 

44 But what about you? You haven’t even a belt 
on ! ” she cried. 

44 1 can swim,” he answered quickly, throwing off 
his coat and waistcoat. 44 This thing will support me 
easily. Believe me, Geraldine, there’s nothing to be 
frightened about. We can keep afloat for half-a- 
dozen hours, if necessary, with this, only don’t let go 
of it. Keep your arm through, and — by God! 
Quick ! ” 

A huge wave broke right over their heads. The 
boat, which had nearly reached the level of the water, 
was overturned, and the air seemed full of the 
screaming of women, the loud shouting of orders 
from the bridge, where the captain was standing with 
his hands upon the fast sinking rail. The water was 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 273 


up to their waists now. In a moment they ceased to 
feel anything beneath their feet. Geraldine found 
herself suddenly buoyant. Thomson, swimming with 
one arm, locked his other in their raft. 

44 Push yourself away from everything as well as 
you can,” he whispered, 44 and, Geraldine — if any- 
thing should happen to us, I never changed — not 
for a moment.” 

44 I don’t believe I ever did, either,” she sobbed, 
holding out her hand. 

Another wave broke over them. They came up, 
however. He gripped her wet hand for a moment. 
All around them were articles of ship’s furniture, 
broken planks, here and there a man swimming. 
From close at hand came the shriek of the vanishing 
siren. 

44 Look ! ” Geraldine cried. 

Barely fifty feet away from them was the sub- 
marine. The captain and four or five of the men 
were on deck. Thomson shouted to him. 

44 Can’t you save some of these women? ” 

The answer was a laugh — hoarse, brutal, deri- 
sive. The submarine glided away. Thomson’s face, 
as he looked after it, was black with anger. The 
next moment he recovered himself, however. He 
had need of all his strength. 

44 Don’t listen to anything, Geraldine,” he begged 
her. 44 They will nearly all be saved. Can’t you 
hear the sirens already? There are plenty of ships 
coming up. Remember, we can’t go down so long as 
we keep hold here.” 

44 But you’ve no lifebelt on,” she faltered. 


274 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 I don’t need it,” he assured her. 44 I can keep 
afloat perfectly well. You’re not cold?” 

44 No,” she gasped, 44 but I feel so low down. The 
sky seems suddenly further away. Oh, if some one 
would come ! ” 

There were sirens now, and plenty of them, close 
at hand. Out of the mist they saw a great black hull 
looming. 

44 They’re here all right ! ” he cried. 44 Courage, 
Geraldine! It’s only another five minutes.” 

Thirty miles an hour into a fog of mist, with the 
spray falling like a fountain and the hiss of the sea- 
water like devil’s music in their ears. Then the haze 
lifted like the curtain before the stage of a theatre, 
and rolled away into the dim distance. An officer 
stood by Conyers’ side. 

44 Hospital ship 4 Princess Hilda ’ just torpedoed 
by a submarine, sir. They’re picking up the sur- 
vivors already. We’re right into ’em, sir.” 

Even as he spoke, the moonlight shone down. 
There were two trawlers and a patrol boat in sight, 
and twenty or thirty boats rowing to the scene of 
the disaster. Suddenly there was a shout. 

44 Submarine on the port bow ! ” 

They swung around. The sea seemed churned 
into a mass of soapy foam. Conyers gripped the 
rail in front of him. The orders had scarcely left 
his lips before the guns were thundering out. The 
covered-in structure on the lower deck blazed with 
an unexpected light. The gun below swung slowly 
downwards, moved by some unseen instrument. Col- 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 275 

umns of spray leapt into the air, the roar of the 
guns was deafening. Then there was another shout 
— a hoarse yell of excitement. Barely a hundred 
yards away, the submarine, wobbling strangely, ap- 
peared on the surface. An officer in the stem held 
up the white flag. 

“We are sinking ! ” he shouted. “ We surrender ! ” 

For a single second Conyers hesitated. Then he 
looked downwards. The corpse of a woman went 
floating by ; a child, tied on to a table, was bobbing 
against the side. The red fires flashed before his 
eyes ; the thunder of his voice broke the momentary 
stillness. In obedience to his command, the guns 
belched out a level line of flame, — there was nothing 
more left of the submarine, or of the men clinging 
on to it like flies. Conyers watched them disappear 
without the slightest change of expression. 

“Hell’s the only place for them!” he muttered. 
“ Send out the boats, Johnson, and cruise around. 
There may be something else left to be picked up.” 

The word of command was passed forward and 
immediately a boat was lowered. 

“ A man and a woman clinging to a table, sir,” 
an officer reported to Conyers. “ We’re bringing 
them on board.” 

Conyers moved to the side of the bridge. He saw 
Geraldine lifted into the boat, and Thomson, as soon 
as she was safe, clamber in after her. He watched 
them hauled up on to the deck of the destroyer and 
suddenly he recognised them. 

“ My God ! ” he exclaimed, as he dashed down the 
ladder. “ It’s Geraldine ! 99 


276 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

She was standing on the deck, the wet streaming 
from her, supported by a sailor on either side. She 
gasped a little when she saw him. She was quite 
conscious and her voice was steady. 

“ We are both here, Ralph,” she cried, “ Hugh 
and I. He saved my life. Thank heavens you are 
here!” 

Already the steward was hastening forward with 
brandy. Geraldine sipped a little and passed the 
glass to Thomson. Then she turned swiftly to her 
brother. There was an unfamiliar look in her face. 

“ Ralph,” she muttered, “ don’t bother about us. 
Don’t stop for anything else. Can’t you find that 
submarine? I saw them all — the men — laughing 
as they passed away ! ” 

Conyers’ eyes blazed for a moment with reminis- 
cent fury. Then his lips parted and he broke into 
strange, discordant merriment. 

“ They’ll laugh no more in this world, Geraldine,” 
he cried, in fierce triumph. “ They’re down at the 
bottom of the sea, every man and dog of them ! ” 

She gripped him by the shoulder — Geraldine, 
who had never willingly hurt even an insect. 

“ Ralph,” she sobbed, “ thank God ! Thank God 
you did it ! ” 


CHAPTER XXXIV 


It was towards the close of an unusually long day’s 
work and Major Thomson sighed with relief as he 
realised that at last his anteroom was empty. He lit 
a cigarette and stretched himself in his chair. He 
had been interviewed by all manner of people, had 
listened to dozens of suspicious stories. His work 
had been intricate and at times full of detail. On 
the whole, a good day’s work, he decided, and he had 
been warmly thanked over the wires by a Brigadier- 
General at Harwich for his arrest and exposure of a 
man who had in his possession a very wonderful plan 
of the Felixstowe land defences. Pie lit a cigarette 
and glanced at his watch. Just then the door was 
hurriedly opened. Ambrose came in without even the 
usual ceremony of knocking. He held a worn piece 
of paper in his hands. There was a triumphant ring 
in his tone as he looked up from it towards his chief. 

“ I’ve done it, sir ! ” he exclaimed. “ Stumbled 
across it quite by accident. I’ve got the whole code. 
It’s based upon the leading articles in the Times of 
certain dates. Here’s this last message — ‘ Leave 
London Jwne £ th . Have -flares midnight Buckingham 
Palace , St. Paul's steps, gardens in front of Savoy. 
Your last report received . 9 ” 


278 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

“ ‘ Leave London Jwne JftTi, 9 99 Thomson repeated, 
glancing at the calendar, — “ to-day ! ‘ Have flares , 9 
— Zeppelins, Ambrose ! 99 

The clerk nodded. 

“ I thought of them at once, sir,” he agreed. 
u That’s a very plain and distinct warning in a re- 
markably complicated code, and it’s addressed — to 
Sir Alfred Anselman.” 

A smouldering light flashed in Thomson’s eyes. 

“ Ambrose,” he declared, “ you’re a brick. I 
sha’n’t forget this. Just find out at once if the 
Chief’s in his room, please.” 

There followed half an hour of breathless hap- 
penings. From the Chief’s room Thomson hurried 
over to the Admiralty. Here he was taken by one 
of the men whom he had called to see, on to the flat 
roof, and they stood there, facing eastwards. Twi- 
light was falling and there was scarcely a breath of 
air. 

“ It’s a perfect night,” the official remarked. “ If 
they start at the right time, they’ll get here before 
any one can see them. All the same, we’re warning 
the whole coast, and our gun-stations will be served 
all night.” 

66 Shall we have a chance, do you think, of hitting 
any of them ? ” Thomson asked. 

The sailor winked. 

“ There are a couple of gun-stations I know of 
not far from here,” he said. 66 1 tell you they’ve got 
armament there which will make our friends tear 
their hair;, shells that burst in the air, mind, too, 
which you needn’t mind letting ’em have as quick as 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 279 

we can fire ’em off. I shall try and get on to one of 
those stations myself at midnight.” 

44 What time do you think they’d attack if they do 
get over? ” 

The other took out his watch and considered the 
subject. 

64 Of course,” he reflected, 44 they’ll want to make 
the most of the darkness, but I think what they’ll 
aim at chiefly is to get here unobserved. Therefore, 
I think they won’t start until it’s dark, probably 
from three or four different bases. That means 
they’ll be here a little before dawn. I shall just 
motor my people up to Harrow and get back again 
by midnight.” 

Thomson left the Admiralty, a little later, and 
took a taxi to Berkeley Square. The servant hesi- 
tated a little at his inquiry. 

44 Miss Geraldine is in, sir, I believe,” he said. 
44 She is in the morning-room at the moment.” 

44 I shall not keep her,” Thomson promised. 44 1 
know that it is nearly dinner-time.” 

The man ushered him across the hall and threw 
open the door of the little room at the back of the 
stairs. 

44 Major Thomson, madam,” he announced. 

Geraldine rose slowly from the couch on which she 
had been seated. Standing only a few feet away 
from her was Granet. The three looked at one an- 
other for a moment and no word was spoken. It was 
Geraldine who first recovered herself. 

44 Hugh ! ” she exclaimed warmly. 44 Why, you are 
another unexpected visitor ! ” 


280 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

“ I should not have come at such a time,” Thom- 
son explained, “ but I wanted j ust to have a word 
with you, Geraldine. If you are engaged, your 
mother would do.” 

“ I am not in the least engaged,” Geraldine as- 
sured him, “ and I have been expecting to hear from 
you all day. I got back from Boulogne last night.” 

“ None the worse, I am glad to see,” Thomson re- 
marked. 

She shivered a little. Then she looked him full in 
the face and her eyes were full of unspoken things. 

“ Thanks to you,” she murmured. “ However,” 
she added, with a little laugh, “ I don’t want to 
frighten you away, and I know what would happen 
if I began to talk about our adventure. I am sorry, 
Captain Granet,” she went on, turning towards where 
he was standing, “ but I cannot possibly accept your 
aunt’s invitation. It is very good of her to ask me 
and very kind of you to want me to go so much, but 
to-night I could not leave my mother. She has been 
having rather a fit of nerves about Ralph the last 
few days, and she hates being left alone.” 

“ Captain Granet is trying to persuade you to 
leave London this evening P ” Thomson asked 
quietly. 

“ He wants me very much to go down to Lady 
Anselman’s at Reigate to-night,” Geraldine ex- 
plained. “ I really accepted Lady Anselman’s invi- 
tation some days ago, but that was before mother 
was so unwell. I have written your aunt, Captain 
Granet,” she continued, turning to him. “ Do 
please explain to her how disappointed I am, and it 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 281 

was very nice of you to come and ask me to change 
my mind.” 

There was a brief but rather curious silence. Gra- 
net had turned away from Geraldine as though to 
address Thomson. He was meeting now the silent, 
half contemptuous challenge of the latter’s eyes. 

“ Captain Granet is showing great consideration 
for your comfort and safety,” Thomson remarked. 

Granet for a moment forgot himself. His eyes 
flashed. He was half angry, half terrified. 

“ What do you mean ? ” he demanded. 

Thomson made no immediate answer. He seemed 
to be pondering over his words, his expression was 
inscrutable. Geraldine looked from one to the other. 

“ There is something between you two which I 
don’t understand,” she declared. 

“ There is a very great deal about Captain Granet, 
which I am only just beginning to understand,” 
Thomson said calmly. “ You should find his solici- 
tude about your movements this evening a great com- 
pliment, Geraldine. It arises entirely from his desire 
to spare you the shock of what may turn out yet 
to be a very lamentable catastrophe.” 

“ You two men are quite incomprehensible,” Ger- 
aldine sighed. “ If only either of you would speak 
plainly ! ” 

Thomson bowed. 

“ Perhaps I may be able to indulge you presently,” 
he observed. 66 Since you have failed to persuade 
Miss Conyers to leave London, Captain Granet,” he 
went on, turning towards the latter, “ may I ask 
what your own movements are likely to be? ” 


282 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 You may not,” was the passionate reply. 44 They 
are no concern of yours.” 

44 They are unfortunately,” Thomson retorted, 
44 my very intimate concern. This, you will remem- 
ber, is your ninth day of grace. It is not my desire 
that you should suffer unduly for your humane visit 
here, but I might remind you that under the circum- 
stances it is a little compromising. No, don’t inter- 
rupt me! We understand one another, I am quite 
sure.” 

Granet had taken a step backwards. His face for 
a moment was blanched, his lips opened but closed 
again without speech. Thomson was watching him 
closely. 

44 Precisely,” he went on. 44 You have guessed the 
truth, I can see. We have been able, within the last 
few hours, to decode that very interesting message 
which reached your uncle some little time ago.” 

Geraldine’s bewilderment increased. Granet’s al- 
most stupefied silence seemed to amaze her. 

44 Hugh, what does it all mean P ” she cried. 44 Is 
Captain Granet in trouble because he has come here 
to warn me of something? He has not said a word 
except to beg me to go down into the country to- 
night.” 

44 And he has begged you to do that,” Thomson 
said, 44 because he is one of those privileged few who 
have been warned that to-night or to-morrow morn- 
ing is the time selected for the Zeppelin raid on Lon- 
don of which we have heard so much. Oh ! he knows 
all about it, and his uncle, and a great many of the 
guests they have gathered together. They’ll all be 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 283 

safe enough at Reigate! Come, Captain Granet, 
what have you to say about it? ” 

Granet drew himself up. He looked every inch a 
soldier, and, curiously enough, he seemed in his bear- 
ing and attitude to be respecting the higher rank by 
virtue of which Thomson had spoken. 

44 To-morrow, as you have reminded me, is my 
tenth day, sir,” he said. 44 1 shall report myself at 
your office at nine o’clock. Good-bye, Miss Conyers ! 
I hope that even though I have failed, Maj6r Thom- 
son may persuade you to change your mind.” 

He left the room. Geraldine was so amazed that 
she made no movement towards ringing the bell. She 
turned instead towards Thomson. 

44 What does it mean? You must tell me!” she 
insisted. 44 1 am not a child.” 

44 It means that what I have told you all along is 
the truth,” Thomson replied earnestly. 44 You 
thought, Geraldine, that I was narrow and suspi- 
cious. I had powers and an office and responsibilities, 
too, which you knew nothing of. That young man 
who has just left the room is in the pay of Germany. 
So is his uncle.” 

44 What, Sir Alfred Anselman?” she exclaimed. 
44 Are you mad, Hugh?” 

44 Not in the least,” he assured her. 44 These are 
bald facts.” 

44 But Sir Alfred Anselman! He has done such 
wonderful things for the country. They all say 
that he ought to have been in the Cabinet. Hugh, 
you can’t be serious ! ” 

46 1 am so far serious,” Thomson declared grimly. 


284 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

44 that an hour ago we succeeded in decoding a mes- 
sage from Holland to Sir Alfred Anselman, advising 
him to leave London to-day. We are guessing what 
that means. We may be right and we may be wrong. 
We shall see. I come to beg you to leave the city 
for twenty-four hours. I find Granet on the same 
errand.” 

44 But they may have warned him — some personal 
friend may have done it,” she insisted. 44 He is a 
man with world-wide friends and world-wide connec- 
tions.” 

44 Then why didn’t he bring the warning straight 
to the Admiralty ? ” Thomson argued. 44 If he were 
a patriotic Englishman, do you think that any other 
course was open to him? It won’t do, Geraldine. I 
know more about Captain Granet than I am going 
to tell you at this moment. Shall we leave that sub- 
ject? Can’t we do something to persuade your 
mother to take you a little way from town? You 
can collect some of your friends, if you like. You 
ought to take Olive, for instance. We don’t want a 
panic, but there is no reason why you shouldn’t tell 
any of your friends quietly.” 

The door was suddenly opened. The Admiral put 
his head in. 

44 Sorry ! ” he apologised. 44 1 thought I heard 
that young Granet was here.” 

44 He has been and gone, father,” Geraldine told 
him. 44 You’d better see what you can do with 
father,” she added, turning to Thomson. 

44 What’s wrong, eh? What’s wrong? What’« 
wrong ? ” the Admiral demanded. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 285 


“ The fact is, Sir Seymour,” Thomson explained, 
“ we’ve had notice — not exactly notice, but we’ve 
decoded a secret dispatch which gives us reason to 
believe that a Zeppelin raid will be attempted on 
London during the next twenty-four hours. I came 
round to try and induce Geraldine to have you all 
move away until the thing’s over.” 

“ I’ll be damned if I do ! ” the Admiral grunted. 
“ What, sneak off and leave five or six million others 
who haven’t had the tip, to see all the fun? Not I! 
If what you say is true, Thomson, — and I am going 
straight back to the Admiralty, — I shall find my 
way on to one of the air stations myself, and the 
women can stay at home and get ready to be use- 
ful.” 

Geraldine passed her hand through her father’s 
arm. 

“ That’s the sort of people we are,” she laughed, 
turning to Thomson. “ All the same, Hugh, it was 
very nice of you to come,” she added. fi< I couldn’t 
see us scuttling away into the country, you know. I 
shall go round and persuade Olive to stay with me. 
I am expecting to return to Boulogne almost at once, 
to the hospital there, to bring some more wounded 
back. I may get a little practice here.” 

Thomson picked up his hat. 

“ Well,” he said quietly, “ I cannot complain of 
your decision. After all, it is exactly what I ex- 
pected.” 

He made his adieux and departed. The Admiral 
sniffed as he glanced after him. 

“ Very good chap, Thomson,” he remarked, “ but 


286 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


he doesn’t quite understand. I bet you that fine 
young fellow Granet would never have suggested our 
running away like frightened sheep! Come along, 
my dear, we’ll go and dine.” 


CHAPTER XXXV 


About three o’clock the next morning Thomson 
was awakened by a light touch upon his shoulder. 
He sprang up from the couch upon which he had 
thrown himself. Ambrose was standing over him. 
He was still in his room at the War Office, and fully 
dressed. 

44 Mr. Gordon Jones has rung up from Downing 
Street, sir,” he announced. 44 He is with the Prime 
Minister. They want to know if you could step 
across.” 

44 I’ll go at once,” Thomson agreed, — 44 just 
sponge my eyes and have a brush up. Nothing else 
fresh, Ambrose? ” 

44 Nothing at all, sir,” the young man replied. 
44 All the newspapers in London have rung up but of 
course we have not answered any of them. You’ll be 
careful outside, please? There isn’t a single light 
anywhere, and the streets are like pitch. A man tried 
to use an electric torch on the other side of the way 
just now, and they shot him. There’s a double line 
of sentries all round from Whitehall corner.” 

44 No flares this time, eh?” Thomson muttered. 
44 All right, Ambrose, I think I can feel my way 
there.” 

He descended into the street but for a few moments 


288 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

he found himself hopelessly at sea. So far as he 
could see there was no light nor any glimmer of one. 
He reached the corner of the street like a blind man, 
by tapping the kerbstone with his cane. Arrived 
here, he stood for a moment in the middle of the road, 
bareheaded. There was not a breath of wind any- 
where. He made his way carefully down towards 
Downing Street, meeting few people, and still 
obliged to grope rather than walk. Along Downing 
Street he made his way by the railings and rang the 
bell at last at the Premier’s house. He was shown at 
once into the council room. The four or five men who 
were seated around a table, and who looked up at his 
entrance, bore, every one of them, household names. 
The Premier held out his hand. 

44 Good evening, Major Thomson,” he began. 
44 Please sit down and join us for a moment.” 

Thomson was a little surprised at the gathering. 

44 You’ll forgive my suggesting that this is likely 
to be a marked spot to-night,” he said. 

The Premier smiled. 

44 Well, you could scarcely expect us to hide, could 
you, Major Thomson? ” he remarked. 44 In any case, 
there is not one of us who is not prepared to share 
what the other citizens of London have to face. The 
country for the women and children, if you please. 
We gather, sir, that it is chiefly through you that 
we are in the fortunate position of being prepared 
to-night.” 

44 It was through my action in a matter which I 
understand has been subjected to a great deal of 
criticism,” Thomson replied. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 289 

“ I admit it frankl}’,” the statesman acknowledged. 

4 That particular matter, the matter of your censor- 
ship of a certain letter, has been the subject of a 
grave and earnest conference here between us all. 
We decided to send for you. We telephoned first of 
all to the Chief but he told us that you were entirely 
head of your department and responsible to no one, 
that you had been — forgive me — a brilliant suc- 
cess, and that it was his intention to interfere in no 
possible way with any course you chose to take. I 
may say that he intimated as much to me when I 
went to him, simply furious because you had 1 removed 
a certain person from the list of those whose corre- 
spondence is free from censorship.” 

“ What can I do for you, gentlemen? ” Thomson 
asked. 

“ Listen to us while we put a matter to you from 
a common-sense point of view,” Mr. Gordon Jones 
begged. “ You see who we are. We are those upon 
whose shoulders rests chiefly the task of ruling this 
country. I want to tell you that we have come to a 
unanimous decision. We say nothing about the moral 
or the actual guilt of Sir Alfred Anselman. How 
far he may have been concerned in plotting with our 
country’s enemies is a matter which we may know in 
the future, but for the present — well, let’s make a 
simple matter of it — we want him left alone.” 

66 You wish him to continue in his present high 
position ? ” Thomson said slowly, — “a man who is 
convicted of having treasonable correspondence with 
our enemy? ” 

“ We wish him left alone,” Mr. Gordon Jones con- 


290 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

tinued earnestly, “ not for his own sake but for ours. 
When the time comes, later on, it may be possible for 
us to deal with him. To-day, no words of mine could 
explain to you his exact utility. He has a finger 
upon the money-markets of the world. He has 
wealth, great wealth, and commands great wealth in 
every city. Frankly, this man as an open enemy to- 
day could bring more harm upon us than if any neu- 
tral Power you could name were to join the Triple 
Alliance. Remember, too, Major Thomson, that 
there may be advantages to us in this waiting atti- 
tude. Since your warning, his letters can be ad- 
mitted to censorship. You have the control of a great 
staff of military detectives; the resources of Scot- 
land Yard, too, are at your service. Have him 
watched day and night, his letters opened, his every 
movement followed, but don’t provoke him to open 
enmity. We don’t want him in the Tower. The 
scandal and the shock of it would do us enormous 
harm, apart from the terrible financial panic which 
would ensue. We will see to it that he does no further 
mischief than he may already have done. We make 
an appeal to you, all of us here to-night. Be guided 
entirely by us in this matter. You have rendered the 
country great service by your discovery. Render it 
a greater one, Major Thomson, by keeping that dis- 
covery secret.” 

“ I will not make conditions with you,” Thomson 
replied gravely. “ I will say at once that I am per- 
fectly willing to yield to your judgment in this mat- 
ter. In return I ask something. I have more serious 
charges still to bring against Sir Alfred’s nephew. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 291 

Will you leave the matter of dealing with this young 
man in my hands ? ” 

“ With pleasure,” the Premier agreed. “ I think, 
gentlemen,” he added, looking around the table, 
“that we need not detain Major Thomson any 
longer? We others have still a little business to 
finish.” 

It was all over in those few minutes and Thomson 
found himself in the street again. He guided his way 
by the railings into Whitehall. The blackness 
seemed to him to be now less impenetrable. Looking 
fixedly eastward he seemed to be conscious of some 
faint lightening in the sky. He heard the rumbling 
of carts in the road, the horses mostly being led by 
their drivers. Here and there, an odd taxicab which 
had escaped the police orders came along with one 
lamp lit, only to be stopped in a few yards and es- 
corted to the edge of the pavement. All the way up 
Whitehall there was one long line of taxicabs, unable 
to ply for hire or find their way to the garages until 
daylight. The unusualness of it all was almost stim- 
ulating. At the top of the broad thoroughfare,. 
Thomson turned to the left through the Pall Mall 
Arch and passed into St. James’s Park. He strolled 
slowly along until he came to the thoroughfare to 
the left, leading down to the Admiralty. There he 
paused for a moment, and, turning around, listened 
intently. He was possessed of particularly keen 
hearing and it seemed to him as though from afar 
off he could hear the sound of a thousand muffled 
hammers beating upon an anvil ; of a strange, meth- 
odical disturbance in the air. He grasped the rail- 


292 THE KINGDOM OF THE f5LIND 

ing with one hand and gazed upward with straining 
eyes. Just at that moment he saw distinctly what 
appeared to be a flash of lightning in the sky, fol- 
lowed by a report which sounded like a sharp clap 
of thunder. Then instinctively he covered his eyes 
with his hands. From a dozen places — one close at 
hand — a long, level stream of light seemed to shoot 
out towards the clouds. There was one of them which 
came from near the Carlton Hotel, which lit up the 
whole of the Pall Mall Arch with startling distinct- 
ness, gave him a sudden vision of the Admiralty roof, 
and, as he followed it up, brought a cry to his lips. 
Far away, beyond even the limits of the quivering 
line of light, there was something in the sky which 
seemed a little blacker than the cloud. Even while 
he looked at it, from the Admiralty roof came a lurid 
flash, the hiss and screech of a shell as it dashed up- 
wards. And then the sleeping city seemed suddenly 
to awake and the night to become hideous. Not fifty 
yards away from him something fell in the Park, and 
all around him lumps of gravel and clods of earth 
fell in a shower. A great elm tree fell crashing into 
the railings close by his side. Then there was a deaf- 
ening explosion, the thunder of falling masonry, and 
a house by the side of the arch broke suddenly into 
flames. A few moments later, a queer sight amongst 
all these untoward and unexpected happenings, a 
fire engine dashed under the arch, narrowly missing 
the broken fragments of brick and stone, swung 
around, and a dozen fire-hoses commenced to play 
upon the flaming building. 

The darkness was over now, and the silence. There 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 293 

were houses on the other side of the river on fire, and 
scarcely a moment passed without the crash of a 
falling bomb. The air for a second or two was filled 
with piteous shrieks from somewhere towards Char- 
ing-Cross, shrieks drowned almost immediately by 
another tremendous explosion from further north. 
Every now and then, looking upwards in the line of 
the long searchlights, Thomson could distinctly see 
the shape of one of the circling airships. Once the 
light flashed downwards, and between him and Buck- 
ingham Palace he saw a great aeroplane coming head 
foremost down, heard it strike the ground with a 
tremendous crash, heard the long death cry, a cry 
which was more like a sob, of the men who perished 
with it. . . . 

Every moment the uproar became more deafening. 
From all sorts of unsuspected places and buildings 
came the lightning quiver of the guns, followed by 
the shrieking of the shells. Right on to the tops of 
the houses between where he was standing and the 
Carlton, another aeroplane fell, smashing the chim- 
neys and the windows and hanging there like a gigan- 
tic black bat. There was not a soul anywhere near 
him, but by the occasional flashes of light Thomson 
could see soldiers and hurrying people in the Admi- 
ralty Square, and along the Strand he could hear the 
patter of footsteps upon the pavement. But he him- 
self remained alone, a silent, spellbound, fascinated 
witness of this epic of slaughter and ruin. 

Then came what seemed to him to be its culmina- 
tion. High above his head he was suddenly con- 
scious of a downward current of air. He looked up. 


294 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 


The shouting of voices, apparently from the falling 
clouds, voices unfamiliar and guttural, warned him 
of what was coming. The darkness which loomed 
over him, took shape. He turned and ran for his 
life. Only a little way above his head a storm of 
shrapnel now was streaming from the lowered guns 
of the Admiralty. Turning back to look, he saw, 
scarcely fifty yards above him, the falling of a huge 
Zeppelin. He felt himself just outside its range and 
paused, breathless. With a crash which seemed to 
split the air, the huge structure fell. The far end 
of it, all buckled up, rested against the back of the 
Admiralty. The other end was only a few yards 
from where Thomson stood, at the bottom of the 
steps leading up into Pall Mall. A dozen search- 
lights played upon it. Men suddenly appeared as 
though from underneath. Some of them stood for 
a moment and swayed like drunken men, others began 
to run. Round the corner from the Admiralty 
Square a little company of soldiers came with fixed 
bayonets. There was a shout. Two of the men ran 
on. 

Thomson heard the crack of a rifle and saw one 
of them leap into the air and collapse. The other 
one staggered and fell on his knees. A dozen of them 
were there together with their hands stretched to the 
skies. Then Thomson was conscious that one of the 
oil-clad figures was coming in his direction, making 
for the steps, running with swift, stealthy gait. A 
flash of light gleamed upon the fugitive for a mo- 
ment. He wore a hat like a helmet; only his face, 
blackened with grease, and his staring eyes, were 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 295 

visible. He came straight for Thomson, breathing 
heavily. 

44 Hands up ! ” Thomson cried. 

The man aimed a furious blow at him. Thomson, 
who quite unconsciously had drawn a revolver from 
his pocket, shot him through the heart, watched him 
jump up and fall, a senseless, shapeless heap upon 
the bottom of the steps, and, with a queer instinct of 
bloodthirstiness, ran down the line of the wrecked 
Zeppelin, seeking for more victims. The soldiers 
were coming up in force now, however, and detach- 
ments of them were marching away their prisoners. 
Another company was stationed all around the huge 
craft, keeping guard. Thomson walked back once 
more towards the Admiralty. The sky was still lurid 
with the reflection of many fires but the roar of the 
guns had diminished, and for several minutes no 
bomb had been thrown. With the revolver in his 
hand still smoking, he ran into a man whom he knew 
slightly at the Admiralty. 

44 Thomson, by God ! ” the man exclaimed. 46 What 
are you doing with that revolver ? ” 

Thomson looked at it. 

44 1 don’t know,” he answered. 44 I’ve just shot one 
of those fellows from the Zeppelin. How are things 
going ? 99 

44 There are six Zeppelins down in different parts, 
and a couple of dozen aeroplanes,” the other replied. 
44 Woolwich is safe, and the Houses of Parliament 
and Whitehall. Heaps of reports to come in but I 
don’t believe they’ve done much damage.” 

Thomson passed on. It was lighter now and the 


296 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

streets were thronged with people. He turned once 
more towards the Strand and stood for a moment in 
Trafalgar Square. One wing of the National Gal- 
lery was gone, and the Golden Cross Hotel was in 
flames. Leaning against the Union Club was another 
fallen aeroplane. Men and women were rushing 
everywhere in wild excitement. He made his way 
down to the War Office. It seemed queer to find men 
at work still in their rooms. He sent Ambrose for an 
orderly and received a message from headquarters. 

“ Damage to public buildings and property not 
yet estimated. All dockyards and arsenals safe, 
principal public buildings untouched. Only seventeen 
dead and forty injured reported up to five minutes 
ago. Great damage done to enemy fleet; remainder 
in full retreat, many badly damaged. Zeppelin just 
down in Essex, four aeroplanes between here and 
Romford.” 

Thomson threw down his revolver. 

“ Well,” he muttered to himself, “ perhaps Lon- 
don will believe now that we are at war ! ” 


CHAPTER XXXVI 


“ London, too, has its scars, and London is proud 
of them,” a great morning paper declared the next 
morning. 44 The last and gigantic effort of German 
4 frightfulness 9 has come and passed. London was 
visited before dawn this morning by a fleet of sixteen 
Zeppelins and forty aeroplanes. Seven of these 
former monsters lie stranded and wrecked in various 
parts of the city, two are known to have collapsed in 
Essex, and another is reported to have come to grief 
in Norfolk. Of the aeroplanes, nineteen were shot 
down, and of the rest so far no news has been heard. 
The damage to life and property, great though it 
may seem, is much less than was expected. Such 
losses as we have sustained we shall bear with pride 
and fortitude. We stand now more closely than ever 
in touch with our gallant allies. We, too, bear the 
marks of battle in the heart of our country.” 

Thomson paused to finish his breakfast, and aban- 
doning the leading article turned to a more particu- 
lar account. 

44 The loss of life,” the journal went on to say, 
44 although regrettable, is, so far as accounts have 
reached us, not large. There are thirty-one civilians 
killed, a hundred and two have been admitted into hos- 
pitals, and, curiously enough, only one person bear- 


298 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

in g arms has suffered. We regret deeply to announce 
the death of a very distinguished young officer, Cap- 
tain Ronald Granet, a nephew of Sir Alfred Ansel- 
man. A bomb passed through the roof of his house 
in Sackville Street, completely shattering the apart- 
ment in which he was sitting. His servant perished 
with him. The other occupants of the building were, 
fortunately for them, away for the night.” 

The paper slipped from Thomson’s fingers. He 
looked through the windows of his room, across the 
Thames. Exactly opposite to him a fallen chimney 
and four blackened walls, still smouldering, were there 
to remind him of the great tragedy. He looked down 
at the paper again. There was no mistake. It was 
the judgment of a higher Court than his ! 

He made his way down to the War Office at a little 
before ten o’clock. The streets were crowded with 
people and there were throngs surrounding each of 
the places where bombs had been dropped. Towards 
the Pall Mall Arch the people were standing in thou- 
sands, trying to get near the wreck of the huge Zep- 
pelin, which completely blocked all the traffic through 
St. James’s Park. Thomson paused for a moment 
at the top of Trafalgar Square and looked around 
him. The words of the newspaper were indeed true. 
London had her scars, yet there was nothing in the 
faces of the people to show fear. If anything, there 
was an atmosphere all around of greater vitality, of 
greater intensity. The war had come a little nearer 
at last than the columns of the daily Press. It was 
the real thing with which even the every-day Lon- 
doner had rubbed shoulders. From Cockspur Street 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 299 

to Nelson’s Monument the men were lined up in a 
long queue, making their way to the recruiting office. 

Admiral Conyers paid his usual morning visit to 
the Admiralty, lunched at his club and returned home 
that evening in a state of suppressed excitement. 
He found his wife and Geraldine alone and at once 
took up his favourite position on the hearthrug. 

44 Amongst the other surprises of the last twenty- 
four hours,” he announced, 46 1 received one to-day 
which almost took my breath away. It had reference 
to a person whom you both know.” 

44 Not poor Captain Granet?” Lady Conyers 
asked. 44 You read about him, of course? ” 

44 Nothing to do with Granet, poor fellow,” the 
Admiral continued. 44 Listen. I was walking, if you 
please, for a few yards with the man who is practi- 
cally responsible to-day for the conduct of the war. 
At the corner of Pall Mall we came face to face with 
Thomson. I nodded and we were passing on, when 
to my astonishment my companion stopped and held 
out both his hands. 4 Thomson, my dear fellow,’ he 
said, 4 1 came round to your rooms to-day but you 
were engaged three or four deep. Not another word 
save this — thanks ! When we write our history, the 
country will know what it owes you. At present, 
thanks ! ’ ” 

44 Major Thomson? ” Lady Conyers gasped. 

44 Hugh ? ” Geraldine echoed. 

The Admiral smiled. 

44 We passed on,” he continued, 44 and I said to his 
lordship — 4 Wasn’t that Thomson, the Inspector 


300 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

of Field Hospitals ? ’ He simply laughed at me. 4 My 
dear Conyers, 5 he said, 4 surely you knew that was 
only a blind ? Thomson is head of the entire Military 
Intelligence Department. He has the rank of a 
Brigadier-General waiting for him when he likes to 
take it. He prefers to remain as far as possible 
unknown and unrecognised, because it helps him with 
his work.’ Now listen! You’ve read in all the pa- 
pers, of course, that we had warning of what was 
coming last night, that the reason we were so success- 
ful was because every light in London had been ex- 
tinguished and every gun-station was doubly 
manned? Well, the warning we received was due to 
Thomson and no one else ! ” 

44 And to think,” Lady Conyers exclaimed, 44 that 
we were half afraid to tell your father that Hugh was 
coming to dinner ! ” 

Geraldine had slipped from the room. The Admi- 
ral blew his nose. 

“ I hope Geraldine’s going to be sensible,” he said. 
44 I’ve always maintained that Thomson was a fine 
fellow, only Geraldine seemed rather carried away by 
that young Granet. Poor fellow! One can’t say 
anything about him now, but he was just the ordi- 
nary type of showy young soldier, not fit to hold a 
candle to a man like Thomson.” 

Lady Conyers was a little startled. 

44 You have such sound judgment, Seymour,” she 
murmured. 

Thomson was a few minutes late for dinner but. 
even the Admiral forgave him. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 301 

“ Just ourselves, Thomson,” he said, as they made 
their way into the dining-room. 44 What a shock the 
Chief gave me to-day ! You’ve kept things pretty 
dark. Inspector of Hospitals, indeed ! ” 

Thomson smiled. 

44 That was my excuse,” he explained, 44 for run- 
ning backwards and forwards between France and 
England at the beginning of the war. There’s no 
particular secret about my position now. I’ve had a 
very hard fight to keep it, a very hard fight to make 
it a useful one. Until last night, at any rate, it 
hasn’t seemed to me that English people realised that 
we were at war. Now, I hope at last that we are 
going to take the gloves off. Do you know,” he went 
on, a little later, 44 that in France they think we’re 
mad. Honestly, in my position, if I had had the 
French laws at my back I believe that by to-day the 
war would have been over. As it is, when I started 
even my post was a farce. We had to knuckle under, 
the whole of the time, to the civil authorities. They 
wanted to fine a spy ten shillings or to bind him 
over to keep the peace! I’ve never had to fight for 
anything so hard in my life as I’ve had to fight once 
or twice for my file of men at the Tower. At the 
beginning of the war we’d catch them absolutely red- 
handed. All they had to do was to surrender to the 
civil authorities, and we had a city magistrate look- 
ing up statutes to see how to deal with them.” 

44 There are a good many things which will make 
strange reading after the war is over,” the Admiral 
said grimly. 44 1 fancy that my late department will 
provide a few sensations. Still, our very mistakes are 


302 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

our justification. We were about as ready for war 
as Lady Conyers there is to play Rugby football for 
Oxford.” 

44 It has taken us the best part of a year to realise 
what war means,” Thomson assented. 44 Even now 
there are people whom one meets every day who seem 
to be living in abstractions.” 

44 Last night’s raid ought to wake a few of them 
up,” the Admiral grunted. 44 I should like to have 
shown those devils where to have dropped a few of 
their little toys. There are one or two men who were 
making laws not so long ago, who’d have had a hole 
in their roofs.” 

Geraldine laughed softly. 

44 I really think that dad feels more bloodthirsty 
when he talks about some of our politicians than he 
does about the Germans,” she declared. 

44 Some of our worst enemies are at home, any 
way,” Sir Seymour insisted, 46 and we shall never get 
on with the war till we’ve weeded them out.” 

44 Where did the nearest bomb to you drop ? ” 
Thomson inquired. 

44 The corner of St. J ames’s Street,” Sir Seymour 
replied. 44 There were two houses in Berkeley Street 
alight, and a hole in the roof of a house in Hay Hill. 
The bomb there didn’t explode, though. Sad thing 
about young Granet, wasn’t it? He seems to be the 
only Service man who suffered at all.” 

Lady Conyers shivered sympathetically. 

44 It was perfectly ghastly,” she murmured. 

44 A very promising young officer, I should think,” 
the Admiral continued, 44 and a very sad, death. 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 303 

Brings things home to you when you remember that 
it was only yesterday he was here, poor fellow!” 

Geraldine and her mother rose from their places, a 
few minutes later. The latter looked up at Thomson 
as he held open the door. 

“You won’t be long, will you?” she begged. 

“ You can take him with you, if you like,” the Ad- 
miral declared, also rising to his feet. “ He doesn’t 
drink port and the cigarettes are in your room. I 
have to take the Chair at a recruiting meeting at 
Holbom in a quarter of an hour. The car’s waiting 
now. You’ll excuse me, won’t you, Thomson? ” 

“ Of course,” the latter assented. “ I must leave 
early myself. I have to go back to the War Office.” 

Geraldine took his arm and led him into the little 
morning-room. 

“ You see, I am carrying you off in the most bare- 
faced fashion,” she began, motioning him to a seat 
by her side, “ but really you are such an elusive per- 
son, and only this morning, in the midst of that awful 
thunder of bombs, when we stood on the roof and 
looked at London breaking out into flames, I couldn’t 
help thinking — remembering, I mean — how short 
a time it is since you and I were face to face with the 
other horror and you saved my life. Do you know, 
I don’t think that I have ever said 6 thank you ’ — 
not properly?” 

“ I think the words may go,” he answered, smiling. 
“ It was a horrible time while it lasted but it was 
soon over. The worst part of it was seeing those 
others, whom we could not help, drifting by.” 

“ I should have been with them but for you,” she 


304 THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 

said quietly. “ Don’t think that I don’t know it. 
Don’t think that I don’t regret sometimes, Hugh, that 
I didn’t trust you a little more completely. You are 
right about so many things. But, Hugh, will you 
tell me something? ” 

66 Of course ! ” 

“ Why were you so almost obstinately silent when 
father spoke of poor Captain Granet’s death? ” 

“ Because I couldn’t agree with what he said,” 
Thomson replied. “ I think that Granet’s death in 
exactly that fashion was the best thing that could 
possibly have happened for him and for all of us.” 
She shivered as she looked at him. 

“ Aren’t you a little cruel ? ” she murmured. 

“ I am not cruel at all,” he assured her firmly. 
“ Let me quote the words of a greater man — 6 1 
have no enemies but the enemies of my country, and 
for them I have no mercy.’ ” 

“ You still believe that Captain Granet — ” 

“ There is no longer any doubt as to his complete 
guilt. As you know yourself, the cipher letter warn- 
ing certain people in London of the coming raid, 
passed through his hands. He even came here to 
warn you. There were other charges against him 
which could have been proved up to the hilt. While 
we are upon this subject, Geraldine, let me finish with 
it absolutely. Only a short time ago I confronted 
him with his guilt, I gave him ten days during which 
it was my hope that he would embrace the only hon- 
ourable course left to him. I took a risk leaving 
him free, but during the latter part of the time he 
was watched day and night. If he had lived until 


THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND 305 

this morning, there isn’t any power on earth could 
have kept him from the Tower, or any judge, how- 
ever merciful, who could have saved him from being 
shot.” 

“ It is too awful,” she faltered, “and yet — it 
makes me so ashamed, Hugh, to think that I could 
not have trusted you more absolutely.” 

He opened his pocket-book and a little flush of col- 
our came suddenly into her cheeks. He drew out the 
ring silently. 

“ Will you trust yourself now and finally, Geral- 
dine ? ” he asked. 

She held out her finger. 

“ I shall be so proud and so happy to have it 
again,” she whispered. “ I do really feel as though 
I had behaved like a f oolish child, and I don’t like the 
feeling at all, because in these days one should be 
more than ordinarily serious, shouldn’t one? Shall 
I be able to make it up to you, Hugh, do you think? ” 

He stooped to meet her lips. 

“ There is an atonement you might make, dear,” he 
ventured. “ Do you remember a suggestion of mine 
at one of those historic luncheons of Lady Ansel* 
man’s ? ” 

She laughed into his eyes for a moment and then 
looked away. 

“ I was wondering whether you had forgotten 
that,” she confessed. 


THE END 






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Hidden Spring, The. By Clarence B. Kelland. 

Hillman, The. By E. Phillips Oppenheim. 

Hills of Refuge, The. By Will N. Harben. 

His Official Fiancee. By Berta Ruck. 

Honor of the Big Snows. By James Oliver Curwood. 
Hopalong Cassidy. By Clarence E. Mulford. 

Hound from the North, The. By Ridgwell Cullum. 

House of the Whispering Pines, The. By Anna Katharine 
Green. 

Hugh Wynne, Free Quaker. By S. Weir Mitchell, M.D. 

I Conquered. By Harold Titus. 

Illustrious Prince, The. By E. Phillips Oppenheim. 

In Another Girl’s Shoes. By Berta Ruck. 

Indifference of Juliet, The. By Grace S. Richmond. 

Infelice. By Augusta Evans Wilson. 

Initials Only. By Anna Katharine Green. 

Inner Law, The. By Will N. Harben. 

Innocent. By Marie Corelli. 

Insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu, The. By Sax Rohmer. 

In the Brooding Wild. By Ridgwell Cullum. 

Intriguers, The. By Harold Bindloss. 

Iron Trail, The. By Rex Beach. 

Iron Woman, The. By Margaret Deland. 

I Spy. By Natalie Sumner Lincoln. 

Japonette. By Robert W. Chambers. 

Jean of the Lazy A. By B. M. Bower. 

Jeanne of the Marshes. By E. Phillips Oppenheim. 

Jennie Gerhardt. By Theodore Dreiser. 

Judgment House, The. By Gilbert Parker. 

Keeper of the Door, The. By Ethel M. Dell. 

Keith of the Border. By Randall Parrish. 

Kent Knowles: Quahaug. By Joseph C. Lincoln. 

Kingdom of the Blind, The. By E. Phillips Oppenheim. 


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King Spruce. By Holman Day. 

King’s Widow, The. By Mrs. Baillie Reynolds. 

Knave of Diamonds, The. By Ethel M. Dell. 

Ladder of Swords. By Gilbert Parker. 

Lady Betty Across the Water. By C. N. & A. M. William- 
son. 

Land-Girl’s Love Story, A. By Berta Ruck. 

Landloper, The. By Holman Day. 

Land of Long Ago, The. By Eliza Calvert Hall. 

Land of Strong Men, The. By A. M. Chisholm. 

Last Trail, The. By Zane Grey. 

Laugh and Live. By Douglas Fairbanks. 

Laughing Bill Hyde. By Rex Beach. 

Laughing Girl, The. By Robert W. Chambers. 

Law Breakers, The. By Ridgwell Cullum. 

Lifted Veil, The. By Basil King. 

Lighted Way, The. By E. Phillips Oppenheim. 

Lin McLean. By Owen Wister. 

Lonesome Land. By B. M. Bower. 

Lone Wolf, The. By Louis Joseph Vance. 

Long Ever Ago. By Rupert Hughes. 

Lonely Stronghold, The. By Mrs. Baillie Reynolds. 

Long Live the King. By Mary Roberts Rinehart. 

Long Roll, The. By Mary Johnston. 

Lord Tony’s Wife. By Baroness Orczy. 

Lost Ambassador. By E. Phillips Oppenheim. 

Lost Prince, The. By Frances Hodgson Burnett. 

Lydia of the Pines. By Honore Willsie. 

Maid of the Forest, The. By Randall Parrish. 

Maid of the Whispering Hills, The. By Vmgie E. Roe. 
Maids of Paradise, The. By Robert W. Chambers. 

Major, The. By Ralph Connor. . 

Maker of History, A. By E. Phillips Oppenheim. 
Malefactor, The. By E. Phillips Oppenheim 
Man from Bar 20, The. By Clarence E. Mulford. 

Man in Grey, The. Bv Baroness Orczy. 

Man Trail, The. By Henry Oyen 

Man Who Couldn’t Sleep, The, By Arthur Stringer. 


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Man with the Club Foot, The. By Valentine Williams. 
Mary-’Gusta. By Joseph C. Lincoln. 

Mary Moreland. By Marie Van Vorst. 

Mary Regan. By Leroy Scott. 

Master Mummer, The. By E. Phillips Oppenheim. 

Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. By A. Conan Doyle. 

Men Who Wrought, The. By Ridgwell Cullum. 

Mischief Maker, The. By E. Phillips Oppenheim. 

Missioner, The. By E. Phillips Oppenheim. 

Miss Million’s Maid. By Berta Ruck. 

Molly McDonald. By Randall Parrish. 

Money Master, The. By Gilbert Parker. 

Money Moon, The. By Jeffery Farnol. 

Mountain Girl, The. By Payne Erskine. 

Moving Finger, The. By Natalie Sumner Lincoln. 

Mr. Bingle. By George Barr McCutcheon. 

Mr. Grex of Monte Carlo. By E. Phillips Oppenheim. 

Mr. Pratt. By Joseph C. Lincoln. 

Mr. Pratt’s Patients. By Joseph C. Lincoln. 

Mrs. Belfame. By Gertrude Atherton. 

Mrs. Red Pepper. By Grace S. Richmond. 

My Lady Caprice. By Jeffrey Farnol. 

My Lady of the North. By Randall Parrish. 

My Lady of the South. By Randall Parrish. 

Mystery of the Hasty Arrow, The. By Anna K. Green. 

Nameless Man, The. By Nataile Sumner Lincoln. 
Ne’er-Do-Well, The. By Rex Beach. 

Nest Builders, The. By Beatrice Forbes-Robertson Hale. 
Net, The. By Rex Beach. 

New Clarion. By Will N. Harben. 

Night Operator, The. By Frank L. Packard. 

Night Riders, The. By Ridgwell Cullum. 

Nobody. By Louis Joseph Vance. 

Okewood of the Secret Service. By the Author of “The 
Man with the Club Foot.” 

One Way Trail, The. By Ridgwell Cullum. 

Open, Sesame. By Mrs. Baillie Reynolds. 

Otherwise Phyllis. By Meredith Nicholson. 

Outlaw, The. By Jackson Gregory. 


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Paradise Auction. By Nalbro Bartley. 

Pardners. By Rex Beach. 

Parrot & Co. By Harold MacGrath. 

Partners of the Night. By Leroy Scott. 

Partners of the Tide. By Joseph C. Lincoln. 

Passionate Friends, The. By H. G. Wells. 

Patrol of the Sun Dance Trail, The. By Ralph Connor. 
Paul Anthony, Christian. By Hiram W. Hays. 

Pawns Count, The. By E. Phillips Oppenheim. 

People’s Man, A. By E. Phillips Oppenheim. 

Perch of the Devil. By Gertrude Atherton. 

Peter Ruff and the Double Four. By E. Phillips Oppenheim. 
Pidgin Island. By Harold MacGrath. 

Place of Honeymoon, The. By Harold MacGrath. 

Pool of Flame, The. By Louis Joseph Vance. 

Postmaster, The. By Joseph C. Lincoln. 

Prairie Wife, The. By Arthur Stringer. 

Price of the Prairie, The. By Margaret Hill McCarter. 
Prince of Sinners, A. By E. Phillips Oppenheim. 

Promise, The. By J. B. Hendryx. 

Proof of the Pudding, The. By Meredith Nicholson. 


Rainbow’s End, The. By Rex Beach. 

Ranch at the Wolverine, The. By B. M. Bower. 
Ranching for Sylvia. By Harold Bindloss. 

Ransom. By Arthur Somers Roche. 

Reason Why, The. By Elinor Glyn. 

Reclaimers, The. By Margaret Hill McCarter. 

Red Mist, The. By Randall Parrish. 

Red Pepper Burns. By Grace S. Richmond. 

Red Pepper’s Patients. By Grace S. Richmond. 
Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary, The. By Anne Warner. 
Restless Sex, The. By Robert W. Chambers. 

Return of Dr. Fu-Manchu, The. By Sax Rohmer. 
Return of Tarzan, The. By Edgar Rice Burroughs. 
Riddle of Night, The. By Thomas W. Hanshew. 

Rim of the Desert, The. By Ada Woodruff Anderson. 
Rise of Roscoe Paine, The. By J. C. Lincoln. 

Rising Tide, The. By Margaret Deland. 


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Rocks of Valpre, The. By Ethel M. Dell. 

Rogue by Compulsion, A. By Victor Bridges. 

Room Number 3. By Anna Katharine Green. 

Rose in the Ring, The. By George Barr McCutcheon. 

Rose of Old Harpeth, The. By Maria Thompson Daviess.. 
Round the Corner in Gay Street. By Grace S. Richmond. 


Second Choice. By Will N. Harben. 

Second Violin, The. By Grace S. Richmond. 

Secret History. By C. N. & A. M. Williamson. ) 

Secret of the Reef, The. By Harold Bindloss. 

Seven Darlings, The. By Gouverneur Morris. 

Shavings. By Joseph C. Lincoln. 

Shepherd of the Hills, The. By Harold Bell Wright. 

Sheriff of Dyke Hole, The. By Ridgwell Cullum. 

Sherry. By George Barr McCutcheon. 

Side of the Angels, The. By Basil King. 

Silver Horde, The. By Rex Beach. 

Sin That Was His, The. By Frank L. Packard. 

Sixty- first Second, The. By Owen Johnson. 

Soldier of the Legion, A. By C. N. & A. M. Williamson. 
Son of His Father, The. By Ridgwell Cullum. 

Son of Tarzan, The. By Edgar Rice Burroughs. 

Source, The. By Clarence Buddington Kelland. 

Speckled Bird, A. By Augusta Evans Wilson. 

Spirit in Prison, A. By Robert Hichens. 

Spirit of the Border, The. (New Edition.) By Zane Grey. 
Spoilers, The. By Rex Beach. 

Steele of the Royal Mounted. By James Oliver Curwood. 
Still Jim. By Honore Willsie. 

Story of Foss River Ranch, The. By Ridgwell Cullum. 
Story of Marco, The. By Eleanor H. Porter. 

Strange Case of Cavendish, The. By Randall Parrish. 
Strawberry Acres. By Grace S. Richmond. 

Sudden Jim. By Clarence B. Kelland. 

Tales of Sherlock Holmes. By A. Conan Doyle. 

Tarzan of the Apes. By Edgar R. Burroughs. 

Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar. By Edgar Rice Burroughs. 








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